The emergence of antibiotic resistances (ABR) is one of the most serious threats to public health worldwide. The inappropriate use of antibiotics is considered the main determinant in the increase and development of ABR and contributes to a greater risk of therapeutic ineffectiveness.
Considering ABR to be a phenomenon of cross-transmission between humans, animals, and the surrounding environment, effectively combating it requires a combined multidisciplinary approach, promoted by the World Health Organization as One Health.
Several studies have shown that countries where comprehensive national action plans and interventions adopting a One Health approach have been implemented, particularly regarding antibiotic stewardship programs, assessment of antibiotic use practices by healthcare professionals, and detection of ABR genes in animals, among others, have been most successful in controlling ABR.
In fact, effective antibiotic stewardship programs have been shown to reduce antibiotic use by 20-40%, as well as the prevalence of ABR. These can be achieved through the implementation of multifaceted educational interventions targeting healthcare professionals such as doctors, pharmacists, and veterinarians, as well as livestock producers and the general population, with the aim of raising awareness and promoting the appropriate use of antibiotics, as well as improving quality indicators, leading to a reduction in the spread of ABR.
Based on these premises, this project was developed, focusing on ABR in veterinary medicine, which will follow a methodology similar to two other projects previously developed by our research team, aimed at human medicine (PTDC/SAU-ESA/105530/2008 and PTDC/SAU-SER/31678/2017). A questionnaire will be developed based on a meta-analysis and qualitative study, using the focus group methodology.
