Antimicrobial Resistance in Humans and Animals: Rapid Review of Psychological and Behavioral Determinants

Abstract

A rapid review of current evidence examining psychological issues regarding the use of antibiotics and antimicrobials and resistance to these in both human and animal populations was conducted. Specific areas of interest were studies examining psychological determinants of AMR and interventions which attempt to change behavior with regard to AMR in the general population; animals; and fish, in particular. Although there is some evidence of the effectiveness of behavior change in general human populations, there is limited evidence in farmed animals, with a particular dearth in fish farming. We conclude there is an urgent need for more psychological research to identify major barriers and facilitators to change and evaluate the effectiveness of theory-based interventions aimed at reducing AM use in food production animals, including the promotion of alternatives to AMs, such as vaccination.

Fijian Farmers' Attitude and Knowledge Towards Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance in Livestock Production Systems–A Qualitative Study

“…Therefore, greater engagement of farmers and veterinary professionals is critically important to regain confidence in the quality of local services provided and to establish a working relationship. When advice is given, there may be other anthropological, socio-cultural, economic, and environmental factors that influence farmers' behavior, as demonstrated in other studies ( 4 , 13 , 16 , 17 , 43 , 57 ). Therefore, these factors need to be taken into consideration when developing AMS programmes.…”

“…Studies have reported better understanding of AMU and AMR amongst farmers in developed countries compared to developing countries ( 16 , 17 ). Although some studies have suggested improving farmers knowledge through education optimizes responsible AMU, there is a mismatch between perceived knowledge and understanding, and practice ( 16 – 18 ).…”

“…Although some studies have suggested improving farmers knowledge through education optimizes responsible AMU, there is a mismatch between perceived knowledge and understanding, and practice ( 16 – 18 ). Other factors such as farmer's age, years of experience, farm and flock size, and access to veterinary services also influence AMU behavior ( 16 , 17 ). To date, most studies exploring drivers of AMU and AMR have been conducted in developed and developing countries ( 16 , 17 ) with very little is known about the Oceania region except for Australia and New Zealand ( 16 , 17 , 19 ).…”

Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy in Vietnamese Fish Farmers

“…There is a dearth of evidence on psychological determinants of behavior with regard to AM usage in all food animals [ 3 , 4 ]. Our recent review of determinants of AM usage in both humans and animals [ 5 ] found that awareness of AMR in farmers of both terrestrial and aquatic food animals was often poor, especially in developing countries [ 6 , 7 ]. Further, good knowledge of AMR did not necessarily translate into reduced AM usage [ 8 ].…”

Treatment Processes for Microbial Resistance Mitigation: The Technological Contribution to Tackle the Problem of Antibiotic Resistance

“…The lack of proper prescriptions, misuse of antibiotics by health professionals, low drug quality, and the inappropriate disposal of expired antibiotics add to the problem's complexity. The problem's extent seems to be aggravated because of psychological, cultural, and behavioral practices such as current lifestyles, attitudes, the misconception on the antimicrobial effects of drugs, and public's knowledge and beliefs about antibiotic resistance [34][35][36][37][38]. Once in the water, antibiotics and ARB multiply and spread their presence to other environmental compartments.…”