Explaining the barriers faced by veterinarians against preventing antimicrobial resistance: an innovative interdisciplinary qualitative study

The study aims to identify the factors and barriers faced by Iranian veterinarians in preventing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) from an Iranian perspective. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with 18 veterinarians in three cities in Iran in 2021. The results were classified into four main categories and 44 subcategories, including educational, administrative/legal, client-related, and veterinarian-related factors. The study concludes that effective planning and policy-making at multi-level and multidisciplinary dimensions are necessary to address the increasing AMR. Special attention should be given to scientific and practical interventions at individual, interpersonal, social, and political levels. Measures should also be taken to rehabilitate and maintain society’s health, strengthen supervision, and attract interested organizations’ participation.