Knowledge, attitudes, and practices on antibiotic use and resistance among fish farmers in Kwara State, North Central, Nigeria.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) concerning antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance are critical for addressing the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance. In Nigeria, limited evidence exists on how fish farmers&#x2019; KAP influence antibiotic use and resistance, particularly in small- and medium-scale production systems. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 150 fish farms, each represented by a single respondent (owner or farm manager), across five purposively selected Local Government Areas in Kwara State. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, farm management practices, and KAP related to antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. Associations between explanatory variables and KAP outcomes were assessed using bivariable logistic regression, with results expressed as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The chi-square test was used to assess statistical significance, and Spearman&#x2019;s rank correlation was applied to examine relationships between continuous KAP scores. RESULTS: Fish farmers were predominantly male and had diverse educational backgrounds. Antibiotic use was widespread, with tetracycline being the most recognised and commonly used antimicrobial. Overall, 71.3% of respondents demonstrated insufficient knowledge, 76.7% exhibited unsatisfactory attitudes, and 80.0% reported poor practices regarding antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. Bivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, sex, education level, and farm role were significantly associated with knowledge outcomes (&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). Attitude outcomes were significantly associated with age, sex, education, farming experience, farm role, and holding system. Poor practices were significantly associated with age, farming experience, farm role, farm type, and holding system (&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.05). Knowledge, attitudes, and practices scores were strongly positively correlated (&#x2009;<&#x2009;0.01). These findings indicate that both socio-demographic and farm management factors influence antibiotic-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices among fish farmers. CONCLUSION: Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the multifaceted dynamics that influence farmers&#x2019; knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antibiotic use and resistance. It notably reveals significant gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices, highlighting the urgent need for targeted training, improved veterinary engagement, and strengthened regulatory oversight to promote responsible antibiotic use in aquaculture and reduce antimicrobial resistance. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12917-026-05440-9.