Assessment of knowledge and attitude of healthcare professionals towards Mpox in a Nigerian hospital

Abstract

Abstract Mpox is a zoonotic viral disease that presents significant public health challenges. Despite the pivotal role of healthcare workers, research on their knowledge and attitudes towards mpox is limited. This study aimed to assess healthcare workers’ knowledge, awareness and attitude regarding mpox as well as associated factors at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing a 34-item semi-structured questionnaire. Knowledge levels were categorized as good (> 70% score), fair (50–69%), or poor ( 70% score), moderate (50–69%), or negative ( 40 years (p = 0.008), years of experience (6–10 years; (p < 0.001), professional qualification (physicians, (p = 0.002), and previous mpox training (p < 0.001) significantly influenced knowledge levels, but no significant associations were found between demographic variables and attitudes. The study revealed a high level of awareness but low to fair knowledge among most participants. Healthcare professionals also demonstrated moderate to positive attitudes towards mpox. Factors such as gender, age, years of experience, professional qualification, and previous training on mpox influenced knowledge levels, but did not influence attitude in the study participants highlighting the importance of targeted educational interventions.

Keywords

• Mpox
• Knowledge
• Awareness
• Attitude
• Healthcare professionals
• Nigeria