Assessment of media reportage of monkeypox in southern Nigeria

Abstract

Monkeypox is a zoonotic viral disease. Media campaigns are planned to create awareness about the disease. This is because mass media is often the leading source of information and mobilization during important health issues or crisis. The main objective of this study was to assess the media coverage of monkeypox outbreak in Nigeria. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey of residents in Southern Nigeria. A total of 600 respondents were sampled for this study through a multi-stage cluster random sampling technique. Research assistants helped in collecting data from respondents through structured questionnaire. The data collected was analyzed using percentages, mean score, and univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA). Respondents had little or no knowledge of monkeypox virus, its nature, mode of transmission, and prevention mechanism (2.30 ± .918, P = .000). Respondents stated that they learnt about the virus through friends and social institutions instead of media (4.44 ± .945, P = .006). Media failed to create effective and comprehensive awareness campaigns to mobilize the public (1.86 ± 1.196, P = .001), while inappropriate and insufficient media programs and lack of funds were blamed for media ineffectiveness (4.18 ± 1.352, P = .004). The outbreak of monkeypox virus is a public health concern in Nigeria. Media campaigns are planned to raise awareness about the disease; however, these campaigns have not demonstrated effectiveness in changing people's health behavior toward monkeypox. Media, health professionals, and government should synergize to promote a consistent health policy for the control and prevention of monkeypox virus.

Monkeypox Virus in Nigeria: Infection Biology, Epidemiology, and Evolution

“…Similarly, animal and in vitro studies, using cidofovir and Brincidofovir (CMX001 or hexadecyloxypropyl-cidofovir), proved to be effective. These two drugs inhibit the viral DNA polymerase [42,46,58,71,78,[137][138][139], and the former is an acyclic nucleoside phosphate while the latter is a liquid conjugate of cidofovir [140]. The cellular cytotoxicity of TPOXX ®® in several cell lines, including human, was >50 µM, and interaction of TPOXX ®® with F13L gene product inhibits the production of extracellular viruses.…”

Monkey pox disease: An Instagram analysis in disseminating accurate information.

“…Another study done on assessment of media reportage on Monkey pox in the Nigeria demonstrated that the media campaigns were unsuccessful in raising awareness levels in the general population and it was discovered that inappropriate information, inadequate media programmes, and a lack of funding ultimately contributed to its inefficiency [10].…”

Ensuring appropriate reporting and surveillance of monkeypox cases in Nigeria

“…Monkeypox virus is transmitted through bodily fluids and close skin-to-skin contact, including through sexual activity 4 . Despite the media raising awareness of the virus, there are still no behavioral changes, and the attitude of the population remains the same 5 . This happens within the context of a declining immunity to smallpox and a rise in the incidence in the country 6 .…”