Antimicrobial resistance knowledge and practices among animal drug vendors in Kano State, Nigeria

Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical One Health challenge, with limited data on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of informal veterinary drug vendors in Nigeria. This study assessed AMR-related knowledge, attitudes, and dispensing practices and their associated factors among registered animal drug vendors in Kano State, Nigeria. Methods A cross-sectional survey in December 2024 recruited 133 registered animal drug vendors using a semi-structured questionnaire to collect demographic data and AMR-related knowledge, attitudes, and dispensing practices. One respondent with substantial missing responses was excluded during data cleaning, yielding an analytic sample of 132. KAP levels were classified using a ≥70% cutoff. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression in R, reporting adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results Respondents were predominantly male (99%), urban-based (98.4%), and aged 30–39 years (51.2%), with a mean age of 34.8 years. Adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and good dispensing practices were reported by 34.8%, 65.2%, and 23.5% of vendors, respectively ( n = 132). Tertiary education was significantly associated with better knowledge (χ 2 = 5.36, p = 0.0207). Multivariable analysis showed that vendors with up to secondary education had lower odds of adequate knowledge (AOR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.20–0.94, p = 0.0347). Prior AMR training increased the likelihood of adequate knowledge (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.02–4.82, p = 0.0445). Years of experience were not associated with knowledge. Conclusion AMR knowledge and, in particular, appropriate dispensing practices remain low among animal drug vendors in Kano State, despite generally positive attitudes. These findings highlight the need for targeted, context-appropriate AMR awareness and stewardship sensitization interventions that strengthen vendor knowledge, reinforce responsible dispensing practices, and support informed decision-making at the point of antimicrobial access, thereby reducing resistance risks at the human–animal interface.