Socio-demographic determinants of monkeypox virus preventive behavior: a cross-sectional study in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Monkeypox, a re-emerging zoonotic infectious disease, is striking the world with serious public health concerns, especially in non-endemic countries. The public's knowledge and attitude toward the monkeypox virus (MPXV) influence their adherence to preventive strategies. Therefore, we aimed to assess the general public's knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) of MPXV in Pakistan. Methods: We collected data for this cross-sectional study from 1040 participants via an online self-reported questionnaire from 5th July 2022 to 1st August 2022. The questionnaire consisted of a total of 29 items in four sections, assessing socio-demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding MPXV. The data was analyzed using IBM SPSS V.25, and factors associated with MPXV knowledge, attitude, and practices were identified by using logistic regression analyses. Results: A total of 1040 participants were included. 61.4% were male and 57.2% had graduation level education. Only 34.4% had good knowledge about MPXV and 30% were aware of effectiveness of smallpox vaccine against MPXV. 41.7% had positive attitude with 48.6% agreed that it is a fatal disease and 44.6% were in favor of banning travelling from endemic to non-endemic regions.57.7% had good practices and 69.9% would use protective measures if MPXV become an epidemic. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that gender and education significantly impacted knowledge (p<0.05). While monthly income status had a significant impact on attitudes (p<0.05). The practices were correlated positively with gender and education (p<0.05). Conclusion: The majority of study participants had inadequate levels of knowledge, and attitudes regarding MPXV. To prevent the emergence and spread of MPXV in Pakistan, a comprehensive strategic framework for public health education must be established and implemented.

Assessment of risk perception and determinants of mpox for strengthening community engagement in local populations in Cameroon

“…This contrasts to a study carried out by Hasham et al where findings revealed that of the total participants, 61.4% (n=639) were male, 61.8% (n=643) fall in age group 21–30years, 79.5% (n=827) were single. 79.5% (n=789) of the respondent residents of urban areas, and 57.2% (n= 595) achieved graduation level education [19]. This provides additional insights on the need for targeted public health and community engagement practices that are geographically specific.…”

“…Infected persons must be supervised to stop the further spread of the virus to vulnerable populations. Previously, WHO and others have reported on the impacts of poverty on public health and infectious diseases, including mpox [8, 10, 19, 20]. Analyzing and understanding aspects of what protections are required and how they affect individuals and societies due to under investment in health system preparedness, lack of effective mpox vaccine and therapies, weaker health systems, limited research and response capacities, and how impoverishment reflects the difficult choices facing resource-limited African countries at greatest risk.…”

Knowledge, Attitude and Associated Factors of Monkeypox Infection Among Healthcare Workers in Injibara General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

“…The reason could be thought that education plays an important part in helping people adopt healthier habits and tackling epidemics because it increases awareness of health-related issues. 37 Moreover, individuals with a higher level of education frequently have higher-paying jobs and have access to authoritative information from scientists and other experts. 60 Additionally, healthcare workers who fall under this category are more likely to study scientific research papers, engage in publications, participate in recent appropriate training and education programs, and improve their knowledge and skills through frequent reading.…”

“…A study from Italy indicated that the knowledge status of Italian healthcare workers was quite unsatisfying, with substantial knowledge gaps towards mpox. 34 In a study conducted in Bangladesh, only 30.59%, 35 Indonesia, only 10%, 36 Pakistan, only 34.4%, 37 Turkey, 38 only 32.5%, Nigeria 39 only 37.8% of HCWs had good knowledge regarding the clinical presentation, transmission, and prevention of mpox. Similarly, a study in Lebanon reported low knowledge levels about mpox diagnosis and management among health workers where 33.7% of those surveyed had a good knowledge of mpox.…”

“… 56 , 57 Moreover, HCWs knowledge and attitude towards mpox can be affected by years of working experience, 58 level of education, and having access to information about mpox. 35 , 37 , 59 , 60 The above literature provides evidence of gaps in knowledge and attitudes among health workers regarding mpox infection. Addressing these gaps is crucial for improving the response to mpox outbreaks.…”