Abstract:
The challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is grave in developing countries.
Antimicrobials are misused yet stakeholders’ contribution to antimicrobial stewardship is low.
Veterinary students are future prescribers and their knowledge could influence progress in
combating AMR; hence, there is a need to assess their knowledge, attitude, and awareness of
AMR. A multi-institutional questionnaire was administered to undergraduates in Nigerian veterinary
schools. It comprised demographics, own personal antibiotic usage, and knowledge, attitude, and
awareness of AMR in humans and animals. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used
for analyses. Of the 426 respondents, 39.2% reported personal antimicrobial use in the previous six
months. Over 60% received knowledge scores lower than average and >87% requested more education
on clinical use and prescriptions pre-graduation, monitored dispensing of antimicrobials, conducting
AMR research, and confirmed link among human, animal, and environmental health. Less than 25%
of respondents were aware of antimicrobial stewardship and global e orts/organizations for AMR.
Final year students have 9-fold and 14-fold more satisfactory knowledge on antimicrobials in humans
and animals compared with other students, respectively (p = 0.001). Final year students also have
more knowledge (13 ) and awareness of contributory factors (3 ) on AMR (p = 0.001) than other
students. Unsatisfactory knowledge on AMR issues exists among veterinary students yet willingness
to improve was observed. Identified knowledge, attitude, and gaps in AMR awareness should be
targeted by veterinary schools in Nigeria.
