Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41301636›Full record

ArticleAntibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)2025

Antimicrobial Use and Manure Management Among Pig and Poultry Farmers in Malawi.

Amon Abraham, Andrew G Mtewa, Chimwemwe Chiutula, Richard Lizwe Steven Mvula, Alfred Maluwa, Fasil Ejigu Eregno, John Njalam'mano

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland), 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
2citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

2 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Review
  2. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Amon AbrahamDepartment of Energy Resources, Ndata School of Climate and Earth Sciences, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Limbe P.O. Box 5196, Malawi.
Andrew G MtewaDepartment of Applied Studies, Chemistry Section, Malawi Institute of Technology, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Limbe P.O. Box 5196, Malawi.ORCID 0000-0003-2618-7451
Chimwemwe ChiutulaDepartment of Energy Resources, Ndata School of Climate and Earth Sciences, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Limbe P.O. Box 5196, Malawi.ORCID 0009-0000-4980-9909
Richard Lizwe Steven MvulaDepartment of Earth Sciences, Ndata School of Climate and Earth Sciences, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Limbe P.O. Box 5196, Malawi.
Alfred MaluwaDirectorate of Research and Outreach, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Limbe P.O. Box 5196, Malawi.ORCID 0000-0002-4451-7277
Fasil Ejigu EregnoDepartment of Building, Energy and Material Technology, Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Postboks 385, 8514 Narvik, Norway.
John Njalam'manoDepartment of Water Resources Management, Ndata School of Climate and Earth Sciences, Malawi University of Science and Technology, Limbe P.O. Box 5196, Malawi.ORCID 0000-0003-0602-548X

Funding

NORAD through the Arctic University of Norway under the NORHED II One Health Project at the Malawi University of Science and Technology 61720
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

BACKGROUND/

objectivesAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health concern, and misuse of antibiotics in livestock farming contributes to its emergence. In Blantyre, Malawi, small-scale pig and poultry farming is widespread, but the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) driving antimicrobial use (AMU) remain poorly understood. This study aimed to assess the KAP regarding AMU and manure management among pig and poultry farmers in Blantyre, Malawi.

methodsThis cross-sectional study surveyed 118 randomly selected farmers to assess AMU patterns, sources of antibiotics, adherence to withdrawal periods, disposal practices, and awareness of AMR and regulations. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics and inferential tests (with statistical significance set at

resultsAntibiotic use was reported by 88% of farmers, primarily for therapy (93.3%) and prophylaxis (85.6%), including for viral diseases such as Newcastle disease in poultry and African swine fever in pigs. Oxytetracycline (91.5%), penicillin (50.8%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (39.8%) were the most used antibiotics, predominantly sourced from agrovet shops (73.7%). While 61% of farmers knew antibiotic misuse could lead to AMR, significant gaps were observed: 68.6% had no formal training, 55.9% were unaware of regulations, and 42% sold/consumed products before the end of the withdrawal period. Most farmers disposed of expired antibiotics (80.5%) and packaging (92.4%) in household waste. Higher education and prior training were significantly associated with good knowledge.

conclusionsThis study reveals significant knowledge-practice gaps and high-risk behaviors, such as misuse for viral diseases and unsafe disposal, that exacerbate AMR risks. Interventions must prioritize targeted farmer education, strengthening of veterinary extension services, and stricter regulation of agrovet shops to promote antimicrobial stewardship and support Malawi's National Action Plan on AMR.

Indexed as

antimicrobial resistanceattitudesknowledgeMalawione healthpig farmerspoultry farmerspractices

Identifiers

PMID41301636
PMCPMC12649420

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.