WHEN A NEGLECTED TROPICAL ZOONOTIC DISEASE EMERGES IN NON- ENDEMIC COUNTRIES: NEED TO PROACTIVELY FILL THE UNVEILED KNOWLEDGE GAPS TOWARDS HUMAN MONKEYPOX AMONG THE LEBANESE POPULATION

Abstract

Intro: The ongoing multi-country outbreak of monkeypox (MPX) that emerges in non-endemic areas is a rare and unprecedented event that ignited a widespread public health concern. Since good knowledge about the MPX virus and its associated disease is paramount for helping the population to better prepare for a possible outbreak, therefore, it is important to assess the level of knowledge of the Lebanese population regarding MPX and to identify its associated factors. Methods: An online cross-sectional study was conducted in August 2022 among Lebanese adults. An anonymous, Arabic, self-reported questionnaire covering all main aspects of knowledge regarding MPX was developed. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify the factors associated with knowledge level. Findings: The overall level of knowledge level regarding human MPX was poor among theLebanese population; with only 33.04% of them have a good knowledge level ≥60%. Knowledge gaps and a substantial poor knowledge level was found in the majority of MPX knowledge domains especially those related to the routes of transmission (76.67%), clinical presentation and symptoms (71.63%), severity of the disease (91.3%) and treatment (86.25%). Interestingly, participants have a good knowledge level in the precautionary measures (80.45%), and the response to a suspected infection (65.20%). Female gender, increased age and living in rural areas were found negatively associated with the good level of knowledge. However, participants with higher educational level, those working in the medical field, those suffering from chronic disease/immunodeficiency and participants with moderate/high economic situation were more likely to have a good knowledge score comparing to their counterparts. Conclusion: The current study pointed out to poor knowledge level regarding MPX among Lebanese population with substantial knowledge gaps on the majority of aspects of MPX knowledge. Our findings stress the urgent need to raise awareness and to proactively fill the unveiled gaps especially among less informed groups.