Knowledge, Attitude and Worry in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq during the Mpox (Monkeypox) Outbreak in 2022: An Online Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

The rapid spread of monkeypox (mpox) has been declared as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). The present study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and worry levels of the general population in the Kurdistan region of Iraq regarding the ongoing mpox multi-country outbreak. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted between 27–30 July 2022, using a convenience sampling method. The questionnaire was adapted from previous studies addressing the same topic. The independent Student’s t-test, one-way ANOVA, and logistic regression were used to assess possible factors associated with knowledge, attitude, and worry toward mpox. A total of 510 respondents were included in the final analysis. The participants showed a moderate level of mpox knowledge, a neutral attitude towards mpox, and a relatively moderate worry level. The logistic regression analysis showed that age, gender, marital status, religion, level of education, and place of residence were associated with mpox knowledge; however, the significant variables in the multivariate regression analysis were gender, religion, level of education, and residential area. Gender and residential area were associated with attitudes toward mpox; however, the significant variables in the multivariate regression analysis were gender and residential areas. The worry toward mpox was influenced by gender, marital status, religion, and place of residence, yet the significant variables in the multivariate regression analysis were gender, religion, educational level, and residential area. In conclusion, the Kurdish population had moderate knowledge, a neutral attitude, and a moderate level of worry about mpox. Considering the continuous rapid rise in mpox cases in several countries, and its possible risk as pandemic amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, proactive control measures, adequate disease prevention strategies, and preparedness plans need to be formulated and immediately implemented to tackle the appearance of fears among people, and to safeguard the mental health of the public.

Perceptions and Intention to get vaccinated against Mpox among the LGTBIQ+ Community during the 2022 outbreak: A Cross-Sectional Study in Peru

“…Other studies have also reported differences in vaccination intent depending on the place of residence. Ahmed et al [39] revealed that there were signi cant differences in knowledge and acceptance in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Kurdistan is divided into four regions: Sulaymaniyah, Erbil, Duhok, and Halabja, where Sulaymaniyah demonstrated the highest level of knowledge, positive attitude, and concern towards mpox.…”

Prevalence of intentions to receive monkeypox vaccine. A systematic review and meta- analysis

“…Analyzing the data by continent, the following vaccination intention prevalences were found: In Asian countries, it was 64% (95% CI: 53-74%; 13883 participants; 17 studies; I 2 = 99%) (17, 18, 20, 22, 24-27, 29, 34, 35, 37, 39-42, 44); in African countries, it was 43% (95% CI: 39-47%; 1538 participants; 3 studies; I 2 = 53%) (19,23,28); in European countries, it was 62% (95% CI: 45-78%; 35811 participants; 6 studies; I 2 = 99%) (21, 30-32, 36, 38); and in American countries, it was 63% (95% CI: 32-89%; 1426 participants; 3 studies; I 2 = 99%) (16, 33, 43) (Figure S2). Furthermore, when focusing on the target population of the studies, the following vaccination intention prevalences against Mpox were observed: among the general population, it was 54% (95% CI: 45-62%; 10296 participants; 11 studies; I 2 = 99%) (18, 19,22,23,25,26,29,[39][40][41]43); among healthcare workers, it was 57% (95% CI: 33-79%; 3333 participants; 10 studies; I 2 = 99%) (17,24,28,30,33,35,37,38,42,44); and among the LGBTI community, it was 76% (95% CI: 70-82%;39029 participants; 8 studies; I 2 = 98%) (16, 20,21,27,31,32,34,36) (Figure S4).…”

Monkeypox (mpox) in immunosuppressed patients

“…An epidemic of mpox was labeled a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the WHO on July 23, 2022. 3 , 26 , 27 , 62 , 63 Even though evidence is just starting to emerge, it is possible that mpox can present with more severe symptoms in immunocompromised adults than in the general population. 64 , 65 The CDC found that among 57 patients hospitalized with severe mpox infection between August and October 2022, 90% had underlying immunocompromising diseases, including 31 people with HIV who had a CD4 cell count of fewer than 50 cells/mm.…”