The Use of Growth Promoting Antibiotics in Small-Scale Food Animal Production in Ecuador: A Mixed-Methods Study

This research project aimed to identify the determinants of antibiotic use in small scale food animal production through the use of focus groups, interviews, and a simulated client methodology. I hope that the results of this research will inform antimicrobial stewardship policy in Ecuador and in other low and middle income countries while establishing a novel methodology for evaluating recommendation practices in veterinary pharmacies. Throughout the summer, my main goal was to design, validate, and seek approval for all project activities in alignment with the priorities of all researchers and stakeholders. This summer built on my previous experience working for a small nonprofit in Latin America by using my Spanish fluency and public health training in an academic research context. Furthermore, this experience expanded my ability to work independently and take a leadership role in a research project. I was grateful for the enthusiasm of local collaborators in contributing to this project and would encourage any field researchers to coordinate with local stakeholders as much as possible. I plan to continue coordinate this project throughout the year and look forward to doing similar work in the future.