Knowledge and perceptions of Australian postgraduate veterinary students prior to formal education of antimicrobial use and antimicrobial resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is widely perceived as a threat to human and animal health and a significant One Health issue with extensive and complex factors contributing to its occurrence and spread. Previous studies have surveyed human and animal health professionals to determine their perceptions regarding AMR and antimicrobial use (AMU). There are limited studies exploring the understanding of veterinary students despite their critical role as future antimicrobial prescribers. A cross-sectional survey was administered to an entire cohort of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Year 2 (DVM2) students (n = 136) to investigate their knowledge and perceptions regarding AMR and AMU prior to formal education on this issue. Ninety students (66.2% of the cohort) completed the survey. There was overwhelming agreement regarding the immediacy of the problem, with 84.4% of students indicating that ‘We must take action on AMR’. Despite more than 94.4% of students correctly defining AMR, specific knowledge regarding AMR impact, contributory causes to AMR and strategies to solve the challenge of AMR was variable. Most students perceived livestock producers to have a significant role in the perpetuation of AMR due to AMU for prophylaxis (71.1% substantial/moderate contribution) and treatment (56.7% substantial/moderate contribution). Over a third of respondents (37.8%) were unsure if AMR could spread from animals to humans. Respondents perceived that various groups (dentists, doctors, veterinarians, professional organisations) are all important in ameliorating the issue of AMR. The implementation of restrictive measures to reduce veterinary prescription of antimicrobials was viewed as less important than strategies involving education, hygiene, surveillance, and guideline development/availability. To encourage the development of good antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) practices, professional veterinary education needs to foster an understanding of the scientific, behavioural and social issues that contribute to AMR and inappropriate AMU, as well as prescribers' personal contribution to AMR perpetuation and amelioration.