Antibiotic use in animal husbandry: A mixed-methods study among general community in Boyolali, Indonesia

Background and Aim:Antibiotic resistance is one of the most serious problems worldwide. One predictive factor of
increasing antibiotics resistance is the use of antibiotics in animals. This study aimed to explore the use of antibiotics for animal husbandry in a general community in Indonesia.

Materials and Methods:A concurrent mixed-methods study was conducted. Data were collected from 407 respondents
using a questionnaire, followed by an in-depth interview in 12 respondents. Data were analyzed both quantitatively and
qualitatively.

Results:Forty-two (10.32%) of 407 respondents used antibiotics for animal husbandry. Of these 42, >60% occasionally bought antibiotics from the pharmacy without prescription and 50% used their leftover antibiotics. Respondents also bought antibiotics from food stalls and animal feed shops. Tetracycline and amoxicillin were the most common antibiotics used for animal husbandry. The majority of respondents used antibiotics for therapeutic purposes and received information about using antibiotics for animal husbandry from friends and neighbors. Most of the respondents used antibiotics for animal husbandry incorrectly and had never heard of antibiotics resistance.

Conclusion:Inappropriate antibiotic use in animal husbandry was common in the community. Education on the prudent use
of antibiotics for animal husbandry is needed.