Knowledge and attitudes towards mpox and effect of intervention among College of Applied Medical Sciences students

Abstract

Objectives: This research aims to assess the base level of knowledge and attitude of Applied Medical Sciences Students regarding mpox and whether an educational intervention could improve their knowledge and attitude. Methods: A quasi-experimental research was used, involving 960 medical students from Applied Medical Sciences College at Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, KSA. They were recruited from the beginning of November 2022 till the mid of January 2023 based on the non-randomized sampling method. A standardized, anonymous, and closed-ended questionnaire was used, compromising three main sections: participants’ demographics, knowledge, and attitudes toward the mpox epidemic. Results: Total knowledge scores of the studied sample in the pretest phase were 45.43 ± 6.29 compared to 65.03 ± 2.93 in the post-test phase. Besides, total attitude scores were 48.62 ± 4.78 before program implementation, while after conducting the program reached 70.65 ± 5.13. There was a notable improvement in the total knowledge score of the sample studied after the intervention was implemented, particularly for neurological manifestations. Conclusion: After the program’s implementation, there was an obvious improvement in the medical students’ total knowledge and attitude scores concerning the mpox epidemic. It is necessary to initiate well-organized training initiatives for all other medical faculties, paramedics, and applied health institutions in Saudi Arabia.

Sources of information on monkeypox virus infection. A systematic review with meta-analysis

“…In another study also conducted in Nigeria by Al-Mustapha AI and colleagues, prevalences of 12.9% and 25.6% were recorded in the use of radio and television, respectively, as sources of information about the Mpox virus (26). In addition, studies conducted by Ibrahim AM and colleagues, as well as Araoz-Salinas JM and his team, found prevalence rates of 20% and 65.9% in the joint use of radio and television as sources of information about the Mpox virus (23,29).…”

“…As for radio, a level of 10% (95% CI: 07-13%; 8917 participants; 4 studies; I 2 = 93%) was observed (Figure S3) (20,(26)(27)(28), while television accounted for 24% (95% CI: 09-43%; 14896 participants; 8 studies; I 2 = 100%) (Figure S4) (26-28, 31,33,38,40,41). The combination of radio and television accounted for 45% (95% CI: 31-60%; 4207 participants; 7 studies; I 2 = 99%) (Figure S5) (21)(22)(23)29,34,36,37). In the case of newspapers, it accounted for 15% (95% CI: 05-27%; 2841 participants; 6 studies; I 2 = 99%) (Figure S6) (21,23,28,(39)(40)(41).…”

“…The prevalence of information sources from social networks regarding monkeypox virus among study participants stood at 61% (95% CI: 45-77%; n=6865 participants; 9 studies; I 2 = 99%) (19,20,22,28,31,32,34,35,37) in the general population, and 55% (95% CI: 37-72%; n=9989 participants; 11 studies; I 2 = 100%) (21,24,25,27,29,33,36,(38)(39)(40)(41) in the health care worker group (Figure S12).…”

“…The combined prevalence of information sources about the monkeypox virus on social networks reached 58% (95% CI 46-70%; 17227 participants; 21 studies; I 2 = 100%) (Figure S1) (19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(27)(28)(29)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39)(40)(41). On the other hand, access via the internet accounted for 61% (95% CI: 44-77%; 14002 participants; 5 studies; I 2 = 100%) (Figure S2) (26,28,30,31,33).…”

“…Friends and relatives accounted for 18% (95% CI 10-28%; 16551 participants; 18 studies; I 2 = 100%) (Figure S7) (19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36)(37)(38)40,41). World Health Organization (WHO) websites accounted for 17% (95% CI 07-29%; 1656 participants; 3 studies; I 2 = 97%) (Figure S8) (28,31,39), whereas Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) websites contributed 10% (95% CI 03-21%; 2378 participants; 3 studies; I 2 = 98%) (Figure S9) (20,31,39).…”