Study of knowledge, attitude and anxiety in Kurdistan-region of Iraqi population during the monkeypox outbreak in 2022: An online cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background On July 23, the WHO declared the rapidly spreading monkeypox (MPX) epidemic as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This study attempted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and anxiety levels of the general population during the MPX outbreak. Methods An online cross-sectional survey was conducted during the period July 27 and July 30, 2022, using a convenience sampling method. The questionnaire was adapted and developed after an in-depth review of the previous studies. Results A total of 510 respondents participated in this study. 277 (54.3%) were male, 233 (45.7%) were female. Participants had insufficient knowledge of MPX with a mean and SD deviation 2.096±1.359, 2.576±1.466, having a normal attitude toward MPX 4.031±1.645. Moreover, they had anxiety problems 32.382±10.094. There were significant differences in the mean rank scores of the knowledge of respondents about MPX according to their, religion, level of education, place of residence with p-values>0.001, 0.001, 0.001, respectively and 0.009 for marital status. Also, there were significant differences in the mean rank scores of attitudes of respondents toward MPX according to their gender, level of education, and age, with p-values 0.011, 0.020, 0,029, respectively, and p-value>0.001 for place of residence. Lastly, there were significant differences in the mean rank score of anxiety of respondents toward MPX according to their gender, level of education, religion, and place of residence, with p-values>0.001, 0.001, 0.001, 0.001 respectively, and 0.009 for marital status. Conclusion There is an urgent need to raise public awareness and manage people's emotional wellbeing.

Prevention, Vaccination, Management and Infection Control of Monkeypox Outbreak: an Update Global Recommendation for the Next Year 2023

“…Reduce the chances of future monkeypox outbreaks by increasing our knowledge of the disease. 11 In public places and areas where an outbreak of a contagious disease is likely to occur, it is especially important to wash your hands frequently and control your breathing. Everyone, but especially those working at entry and departure points, needs to be aware of the dynamics of the monkeypox outbreak and stay away from wild monkeys, rodents, and other nonhuman primates, as well as their blood and excrement.…”