Understanding Antimicrobial Resistance through Culture and Community: A One Health Study in Lakewood

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is not only a biomedical challenge but also a sociocultural issue influenced by community beliefs, practices, and health-seeking behaviors. This study explored the sociocultural dimensions of AMR in Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur, by comparing communities near and far from the lake using the One Health framework. Employing a descriptive–quantitative design, structured questionnaires and guided interviews were administered to 100 randomly selected residents of Barangays Poblacion and Bag-ong Kahayag. Results revealed that while respondents demonstrated a generally high level of knowledge on antimicrobials, misconceptions persisted, particularly regarding antibiotic use for viral infections and the completion of prescribed treatments. Cultural beliefs, such as reliance on herbal remedies, faith healing, and gender-influenced decision-making, were found to significantly shape antibiotic use, with stronger cultural beliefs recorded among residents living farther from the lake (p = 0.0003). Health-seeking behaviors reflected a mix of traditional and modern practices, as respondents reported both consulting physicians and resorting to herbal medicine or faith healers. The findings underscore that knowledge alone is insufficient to ensure rational antibiotic use; cultural norms and practices remain powerful determinants of AMR-related behaviors. This study highlights the need for culturally sensitive health education, stricter policy enforcement on antibiotic access, and community engagement through a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health. By situating AMR within a sociocultural lens, this research contributes to the broader discourse on how cultural practices and community dynamics shape health outcomes in the Philippine context.