https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2419-1502
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Abstract
Background
Fighting health threats, especially the rise of new infectious diseases, is one of the main responsibilities of healthcare workers. However, their knowledge and attitudes toward monkeypox have not yet been assessed. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and factors associated with monkeypox infection among healthcare workers at Injibara General Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods
Institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 1–30, 2022. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. A simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses were computed. The degree of association was interpreted using an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval and a p-value < 0.05.
Results
Among the 200 healthcare workers who participated, 38.5% (95% CI: 32.5%–45%) and 62% (95% CI: 55–68.5%) had good knowledge and positive attitudes regarding monkeypox respectively. Having a master’s degree or above (AOR = 11.25: 95% CI: 2.03–62.33), being vaccinated against COVID-19 (AOR = 2.60: 95% CI: 1.37–4.94), and having access to information about monkeypox (AOR = 3.37: 95% CI: 1.33–8.50) were the factors associated with good knowledge. Furthermore, a positive attitude was significantly associated with being 30 years of age or older (AOR = 2.95: 95% CI: 1.55–5.60) and having access to information about monkeypox (AOR = 4.14: 95% CI: 2.06, 8.30).
Conclusion
Both good knowledge and positive attitudes were relatively low among healthcare workers. Factors such as age, education level, COVID-19 vaccination status, and access to information about monkeypox were significantly associated with the knowledge and attitude of healthcare workers. To enhance the knowledge and attitude of healthcare workers, hospitals should consider offering educational upgrades, hosting educational events like seminars, conferences, webinars, and campaigns, and ensuring comprehensive coverage of the topic in medical curricula.
Data Sharing Statement
Data are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Ethical Approval
This study was approved by the College of Medicine and Health Sciences Research Ethics Review Committee at Injibara University (Ref # IUCMHS 325/10).
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank Injibara University’s Health Science College Ethical Review Committee for their approval. As well, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the supervisors, data collectors, study participants, and Injibara General Hospital for their collaboration and help during the data collection.
Author Contributions
All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is, in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis, and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising, or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Disclosure
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest related to this study.