Knowledge and attitudes of health care workers about monkeypox virus infection in Southern Italy

Abstract

BackgroundThis present survey sought to investigate the level of knowledge and the attitudes pertaining the monkeypox (mpox) virus infection among a sample of health care workers (HCWs) in Italy, as well as the possible role of different factors on these outcomes.MethodsThe cross-sectional survey was performed from July through October, 2022 at four randomly selected hospitals located in Southern Italy.ResultsThe questionnaire was completed by 421 HCWs, for an overall 59% response rate. Less than two-thirds were able to define the disease and the correct answer of the transmission mechanisms ranged from 22.8% for contact with contaminated objects to 75.8% through close contact with body fluids. Only 4% and 12.8% indicated HCWs and elderly/frail/people with underlying immune deficiencies as risk groups. The mean overall score of the knowledge assessment on mpox was 3.4 (0–9). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HCWs with a lower number of years of working experience and those who had acquired information about mpox from scientific journals were more likely to have a higher level of knowledge. The average score of the perception of the severity of the disease was 6.3. A similar score with a value of 6.1 has been observed for the statement that mpox is a serious problem for the population. Regarding the level of concern about contracting mpox, the mean score was 5.1. Only 10.5% reported that they feel that this disease can be prevented, with an overall mean score of 6.5. Almost all HCWs reported that they are still living as usual, with no modification of their behavior for fear of contracting the mpox. The results of the multivariate logistic regression model showed that women, HCWs with a higher level of knowledge about mpox, and those who needed additional information about mpox were more likely to have a higher level of perception of the severity of the disease.ConclusionThis survey has demonstrated that HCWs had an unsatisfactory level of knowledge toward mpox and only nearly half showed positive attitudes. Strategic health training programs should be made so that knowledge can be acquired.

Socio-demographic determinants of the knowledge and attitude of Nepalese healthcare workers toward human monkeypox: a cross-sectional study

“…At the earliest of the outbreak in May, 56.5% of Saudi Arabian physicians had not ever heard about monkeypox until the survey ( 24 ). Likewise, another study revealed that 3.5% of Italian healthcare workers did not know any of the answers on a monkeypox questionnaire and none of the healthcare workers answered all the questions correctly ( 28 ). These findings raise a crucial concern regarding the contemporaneity of healthcare workers around the world on monkeypox as well as future disease outbreaks and epidemics.…”

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Monkeypox Surveillance – A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Furthermore, 43 literature reviews and 82 editorials were excluded, as they were not suitable for inclusion in this speci c review. As a result of the rigorous study selection process, 10 papers [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] were deemed eligible and included in the review. It is noteworthy that no additional reports of newly included studies were found.…”

“…An overview of the demographic factors relevant to the research on the assessment of HCWs KAP regarding Mpox is shown in Table 2. The studies [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] used cross-sectional study designs to gather data and were carried out in various nations. The studies' samples, which ranged from 163 to 639 HCWs, were different in size.…”

“…A thorough summary of the conclusions drawn from the chosen studies [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] is shown in Table 3 about the KAP of HCWs regarding Mpox. Self-reported questionnaires were used in the trials, and they were distributed using a variety of platforms, including Google Forms, WhatsApp, Twitter, and WeChat.…”

“…Knowledge was also positively correlated with a positive outlook. A self-reported questionnaire was used by Miraglia et al [19] via WhatsApp and Twitter, with a response rate of 59%. A wide range of healthcare workers participated in the survey, with nurses and midwives making up the majority.…”