Ethnographic determinants, cultural practices, and habits related to the development of antibiotic resistance in a rural community in South Africa

This qualitative study examined the intersection of traditional cultural practices, healthcare-seeking behaviours, and antibiotic use patterns that may contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in children within the rural community of Dzimauli, Limpopo, South Africa. Through two focus group discussions comprising 17 participants, this analysis revealed critical gaps in antibiotic knowledge, widespread non-adherence to prescribed treatment courses, and the parallel use of traditional medicine alongside allopathic healthcare. The findings highlight how sociocultural factors, including reliance on traditional healers (Maine), early introduction of complementary foods, and limited health literacy, create conditions that are conducive to AMR development. This study contributes to the understanding of the complex sociological drivers of antibiotic misuse in low-resource African settings.