Crossover use of drugs in management of human and animal diseases among livestock rearing households in Kitgum Matidi Town Council

Abstract

Crossover use of drugs among the livestock rearing communities has been reported in many parts of the world, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Uganda. The improper use of antibiotics can lead to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which can compromise the effectiveness of antibiotics in treating infections and increase the risk of morbidity and mortality. However, there is limited knowledge on the different classes of drugs cross used as most emphasis has been put in crossover use of antibacterials and antiretrovirals and also, only paying more attention to crossover use of human drugs in animals ignoring the possibility of crossover use of veterinary drugs in humans. Therefore, this study sought to assess the crossover use of drugs in management of diseases in human and animal populations in Kitgum Matidi Town Council. A cross sectional study design with both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection in Kobbo software was used to hold face-to-face interviews among 324 livestock farmers. Key informant interviews were done among health workers, drug shop operators and Town Council health and veterinary officers to obtain extra data on crossover use of drugs which were analysed thematically. Slightly half of the respondents were females 52.5% (170/324). Majority of the respondents had primary level as their highest education 47.5% (154/324), farming was the major source of income 90.1 (292/324). The crossover use of human drugs in animals was 4.3% (14/324) while the crossover use of animal drugs in humans was 0.0% (0/324) with relatively good attitude on crossover use of drugs. It was also reported that the level of education and knowledge among farmers on proper management of animal diseases was insufficient there by requiring regular supervision. In conclusion, there was no crossover use of animal drugs in the treatment of human diseases while there was a prevalence of 4.3% crossover use of human drugs in the treatment of animal diseases with poultry being the prime subjects. The attitudes towards crossover drugs use were generally good and should be sustained through farmer sensitisation to deter crossover use of drugs.