Why Veterinarians in Bangladesh Choose Antibiotics: A Closer Look

When it comes to prescribing antibiotics for farm animals, veterinarians in Bangladesh face a mix of challenges and influences. A study using the COM-B model, which stands for Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation, explored what drives their decisions. This model helps understand why people do what they do, and it's been used to design better programs for changing behavior. The study involved talking to 32 registered veterinarians about their experiences. It turned out that their ability to prescribe the right antibiotics depends on how much they know about the problem of antibiotic resistance, how well they can handle tricky diseases, and their understanding of which antibiotics to use and how to use them safely. But it's not just about knowledge. The environment also plays a big role. Lack of lab testing, poor farm safety, and even the weather can affect how veterinarians make their decisions. Social pressure from other vets, farmers, and even the local community matters too. Motivation is another key factor. Laws and guidelines can encourage vets to cut back on antibiotics, but fears of treatment failure, losing clients, and financial losses can make them hesitate. Plus, many people besides veterinarians are involved in giving and buying these medicines, making it feel like a shared responsibility. So, what's the takeaway? The study suggests that any plans to improve how antibiotics are used should consider these factors. Using a framework like the COM-B model can help design better programs to reduce overuse of antibiotics.