Background
Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by Monkeypox virus, an Orthopoxvirus. The 2022 Monkeypox outbreak has provoked a considerable amount of fear among the public. Awareness about this disease would modify the public attitudes in the fight against Monkeypox. We conducted this study aiming to assess the awareness and prediction of the middle east public about Monkeypox.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted in August 2022. Data were collected from eight middle east countries using an online self-administered questionnaire distributed through educational and social media platforms. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26.
Results
About 11,016 individuals have participated in this study. The majority of the participants have not seen a Monkeypox case, but will not travel to a country with the epidemic. Most of the participants knew the causative organism. Importantly, the majority were not aware of Monkeypox mode of transmission, symptoms, complications, and vaccination. A considerable proportion were aware of the disease protective measures. Participants' awareness was mostly gained from social media and it varied by age, gender, educational level, and country. The majority predicted acquiring Monkeypox when protective measures not taken, progression to a pandemic with economic consequences, and ability of ministry of health to control the epidemic. Participants' predictions varied by their country.
Conclusion
Middle east public knowledge about monkeypox is poor. Raising awareness about Monkeypox (especially mode of transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures) would be of benefit in controlling the epidemic. This study constitutes an evidence upon which health education programs could be designed.
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