Antimicrobial resistance awareness and food safety concerns among rural households in Zimbabwe
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) awareness is low in rural Zimbabwe, with education and wealth key factors. Conservative religious groups and larger families show lower adherence to safe food practices.
Area Of Science
- Public Health
- Food Safety
- Veterinary Medicine
Background
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and unsafe food management pose significant challenges in rural sub-Saharan Africa.
- Limited understanding of antibiotic use and withdrawal periods contributes to AMR and foodborne illnesses.
Purpose Of The Study
- To assess awareness and knowledge of antibiotic use, withdrawal periods, and AMR in rural Zimbabwe.
- To identify factors influencing AMR awareness and safe food handling behaviors.
Main Methods
- A household survey was conducted across all 60 rural districts in Zimbabwe, involving 17,895 households.
- Descriptive statistics and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression models were employed to analyze predictors of AMR awareness and safe food handling.
Main Results
- Only 18.3% of households demonstrated awareness of AMR, with significant disparities based on education and religious affiliation.
- Higher education and wealth status correlated positively with AMR awareness and food safety knowledge.
- Conservative religious affiliations and larger family sizes were associated with lower adherence to recommended safe food practices.
Conclusions
- Behavioral, social, and structural factors significantly influence food safety and AMR-related practices in rural Zimbabwe.
- Findings offer empirical evidence for national One Health strategies to combat antimicrobial misuse and reduce foodborne illnesses in low-income rural settings.
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