1
|
Yu L, Shen Y, Liu M, Ma J, Long J, Zheng D. Evaluation of monkeypox knowledge and attitudes among Chinese medical students. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:745. [PMID: 38459436 PMCID: PMC10921768 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18259-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease caused by the monkeypox virus and is increasingly recognized as a serious public health concern worldwide. Our aim was to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of Chinese medical students regarding monkeypox. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 8,897 college students from China. An e-questionnaire was used to collect data on knowledge (17 items), attitudes (12 items), and baseline criteria. The relationships between a range of factors and knowledge and attitudes were studied using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS A total of 79.33% of the study participants were female, 89.10% were of Han ethnicity, 72.50% were from rural areas, 50.39% were in their first year, and 80.65% were medical majors. A total of 50.88% had good knowledge of monkeypox, and 57.11% had a positive attitude towards monkeypox knowledge. Univariate analysis revealed that origin and major were the factors affecting the knowledge level of monkeypox among participants. Rural students had more knowledge of monkeypox than urban students, and nonmedical students had greater awareness of monkeypox than did medical students. Moreover, sex and grade were the factors influencing participants' attitudes towards monkeypox; men had more positive attitudes than women did, and senior students had more positive attitudes than junior students did. Multivariate analysis revealed that major and the origin of the students independently influenced the monkeypox knowledge of Chinese medical students, while sex, grade and monkeypox knowledge were significantly related to attitudes towards monkeypox. CONCLUSION This study revealed that nearly half of the Chinese medical students had good knowledge and a positive attitude towards monkeypox. Student origin and major independently influenced the knowledge of Chinese medical students of monkeypox, while sex, grade and knowledge were independently related to the attitudes of Chinese medical students towards monkeypox.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liliang Yu
- Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Shen
- Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Liu
- Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing, China
| | - Junchun Ma
- Wanzhou District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiang Long
- Chongqing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Chongqing, China
| | - Daikun Zheng
- Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Amer FA, Nofal HA, Gebriel MG, Bedawy AM, Allam AA, Khalil HES, Elahmady M, Nofal H, Saeed MA, Shaltout SW, Behiry A, Attia O, Bahgat SM, Ali AA, Ahmed FM, Abdelrahman AM, Hammad NM. Grasping knowledge, attitude, and perception towards monkeypox among healthcare workers and medical students: an Egyptian cross-sectional study. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1339352. [PMID: 38410721 PMCID: PMC10895011 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1339352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Monkeypox (Mpox) is a re-emerging infectious disease representing a new global challenge. It poses a substantial threat to countries, particularly those with a low number of cases. Due to its popularity as a tourist destination and its proximity to many African refugees, Egypt is potentially at risk of Mpox importation. Therefore, effective disease management necessitates healthcare workers (HCWs) to possess adept knowledge, along with a positive attitude and behavior. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception of Egyptian HCWs and medical students towards human Mpox. Methods The present cross-sectional study data was collected from participants between October and December 2022 via a questionnaire. The questionnaire comprised 31 questions in the knowledge section, 11 questions in the attitude section, and 14 in the perception section. Results The present study involved a total of 1,034 HCWs and medical students. It was found that 55.3% of the participants demonstrated adequate knowledge about Mpox, whereas 44.5% and 39.8% of the respondents exhibited favorable attitudes and perceptions towards the disease, respectively. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that adequate knowledge was significantly observed in ages older than 40 years (p < 0.001), married participants (p < 0.001), and doctors (p < 0.001). The positive attitude was significantly observed among the male sex (p = 0.045), urban residents (p = 0.002), and nurses (p = 0.002). Conversely, married participants (p = 0.013), doctors (p < 0.001), and individuals employed in pharmacy and laboratory departments (p < 0.001) experienced an increase in positive perception. Conclusion Knowledge, attitude, and perception towards Mpox among Egyptian HCWs and medical students exhibit suboptimal levels. Addressing these gaps is crucial to controlling and effectively preventing disease transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatma A. Amer
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- Viral Infection Working Group of International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (VIWG/ISAC), London, United Kingdom
| | - Hanaa A. Nofal
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Manar G. Gebriel
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Aya M. Bedawy
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ayman A. Allam
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Hend E. S. Khalil
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- Microbiology and Immunology, Qatar Armed Forces Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammed Elahmady
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- Microbiology, Al Ahli Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hagar Nofal
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Andrology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Maysaa A. Saeed
- Viral Infection Working Group of International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (VIWG/ISAC), London, United Kingdom
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | | | - Ahmed Behiry
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Osama Attia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | | | - Ahmed A. Ali
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Fatma Mohammed Ahmed
- Department of Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | | | - Noha M. Hammad
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
- Viral Infection Working Group of International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (VIWG/ISAC), London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
León-Figueroa DA, Barboza JJ, Valladares-Garrido MJ. Sources of information on monkeypox virus infection. A systematic review with meta-analysis. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:276. [PMID: 38263135 PMCID: PMC10807226 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17741-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monkeypox (Mpox) virus infection is a topic of growing interest today because of its potential public health impact and concern about possible outbreaks. Reliable and up-to-date sources of information that provide accurate data on its transmission, symptoms, prevention, and treatment are essential for understanding and effectively addressing this disease. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to determine the prevalence of sources of information on Mpox virus infection. METHODS An exhaustive systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out using the information available in the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases up to August 3, 2023. The data were analyzed using R software version 4.2.3. The quality of the cross-sectional studies that formed part of this review was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI-MAStARI) tool. In addition, a subgroup analysis was performed based on the study populations. RESULTS Through electronic searches of five databases, a total of 1833 studies were identified. Twenty-four cross-sectional articles were included, with a total sample of 35,959 participants from 34 countries. The pooled prevalence of each of the included information sources was: social networks reached 59% (95% CI: 50-68%; 29,146 participants; 22 studies; I2 = 100%; p < 0.01); the Internet was 61% (95% CI: 44-77%; 14,002 participants; 5 studies; I2 = 100%; p < 0.01), radio reached 10% (95% CI: 07-13%; 8917 participants; 4 studies; I2 = 93%; p < 0.01), television accounted for 24% (95% CI: 09-43%; 14,896 participants; 8 studies; I2 = 100%; p < 0.01), and the combination of radio and television accounted for 45% (95% CI: 31-60%; 4207 participants; 7 studies; I2 = 99%; p < 0.01); for newspapers, it was 15% (95% CI: 05-27%; 2841 participants; 6 studies; I2 = 99%; p < 0.01), friends and relatives accounted for 19% (95% CI: 12-28%; 28,470 participants; 19 studies; I2 = 100%; p < 0.01), the World Health Organization (WHO) accounted for 17% (95% CI: 07-29%; 1656 participants; 3 studies; I2 = 97%; p < 0.01), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) accounted for 10% (95% CI: 03-21%; 2378 participants; 3 studies; I2 = 98%; p < 0.01), and the combination of WHO and CDC websites accounted for 60% (95% CI: 48-72%; 1828 participants; 4 studies; I2 = 96%; p < 0.01), and finally, scientific articles and journals accounted for 24% (95% CI: 16-33%; 16,775 participants; 13 studies; I2 = 99%; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION The study suggests that people access a variety of information sources to gain knowledge about Mpox virus infection, with a strong emphasis on online sources such as social networks and the Internet. However, it is important to note that the quality and accuracy of information available from these sources can vary, underscoring the need to promote access to reliable and up-to-date information about this disease to ensure public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Joshuan J Barboza
- Unidad de Revisiones Sistemáticas y Meta-análisis, Universidad San Ignacio de Loyola, 15046, Lima, Peru
| | - Mario J Valladares-Garrido
- Universidad Continental, 15046, Lima, Peru.
- Oficina de Epidemiología, Hospital Regional Lambayeque, 14012, Chiclayo, Peru.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ahmed SK, Abdulqadir SO, Omar RM, Hussein S, Qurbani K, Mohamed MG, Abubaker Blbas HT, Fahrni ML, Lazzarino AI. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Willingness of Healthcare Workers in Iraq's Kurdistan Region to Vaccinate against Human Monkeypox: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1734. [PMID: 38140139 PMCID: PMC10747727 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Although human monkeypox infections had not been recorded in the Kurdistan region of Iraq as of August 2023, the rapid growth of cases worldwide and the detection of monkeypox in neighboring Middle Eastern nations call for careful planning and timely response measures. Educating and empowering frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) so that they can act to curb the spread of monkeypox infections are core elements of primary prevention and protecting public health. Therefore, this study aimed to assess HCWs' knowledge and attitudes about monkeypox and their willingness to vaccinate against monkeypox. By employing a convenience sampling method, an online survey was disseminated via Google Forms between 1 November 2022 and 15 January 2023. The researchers utilized regression analyses to ascertain the factors associated with the three parameters: knowledge, attitude, and the willingness to vaccinate. A total of 637 HCWs were included in the analysis (ages ranged between 21 and 51 years). The mean overall scores were 8.18 of a max score of 16 (SD 3.37), 3.4 of 5 (SD 1.37), and 2.41 of 5 (SD 1.25) for knowledge, attitude, and willingness to vaccinate, respectively. A multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that HCWs who had heard about monkeypox before 2022 rather than later had a higher level of knowledge (AOR: 4.85; 95% CI: 2.81-8.36; p < 0.001). In addition, those who had newly joined the workforce or had less than 1 year experience in practice had more positive attitudes about curbing monkeypox (AOR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.20-0.59; p < 0.01) than those who practiced for longer. No significant predictors of willingness to vaccinate against monkeypox were identified. The research revealed that HCWs exhibited a relatively low level of monkeypox knowledge. They also had poor attitudes towards monkeypox vaccination and were therefore reluctant to receive the vaccines. Imparting knowledge about the infectious disease can cultivate better awareness and attitudes among HCWs as to their roles in mitigating the spread of an epidemic in the foreseeable future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sirwan Khalid Ahmed
- Department of Adult Nursing, College of Nursing, University of Raparin, Rania, Sulaymaniyah 46012, Iraq;
- Ministry of Health, General Directorate of Health-Raparin, Rania, Sulaymaniyah 46012, Iraq
| | - Salar Omer Abdulqadir
- Department of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, College of Nursing, University of Raparin, Rania, Sulaymaniyah 46012, Iraq
| | - Rukhsar Muhammad Omar
- Department of Kindergarten, College of Basic Education, University of Raparin, Rania, Sulaymaniyah 46012, Iraq
| | - Safin Hussein
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Raparin, Rania, Sulaymaniyah 46012, Iraq
| | - Karzan Qurbani
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Raparin, Rania, Sulaymaniyah 46012, Iraq
| | - Mona Gamal Mohamed
- Department of Adult Nursing, RAK College of Nursing, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah 72603, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Mathumalar Loganathan Fahrni
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Puncak Alam Campus, Selangor Branch, Puncak Alam 42300, Malaysia
| | - Antonio Ivan Lazzarino
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ghazy RM, Elrewany E, Gebreal A, ElMakhzangy R, Fadl N, Elbanna EH, Tolba MM, Hammad EM, Youssef N, Abosheaishaa H, Hamouda EEM, Mehana ZEE, Al Zomia AS, A Alnami RA, Salma EAS, Alqahtani AS, Alshehri AF, Hussein M. Systematic Review on the Efficacy, Effectiveness, Safety, and Immunogenicity of Monkeypox Vaccine. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1708. [PMID: 38006040 PMCID: PMC10674429 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The variation in the reported vaccine safety and effectiveness could contribute to the high rates of vaccine hesitancy among the general population and healthcare workers in areas where monkeypox (mpox) is circulating. In this review, our objective was to evaluate the safety, immunogenicity, effectiveness, and efficacy of the mpox vaccines. METHODS An extensive search for articles across multiple databases was performed, including searching six databases (PubMed Central, PubMed Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, ProQuest), two pre-print databases (European PMC Preprint and MedRxiv), and Google Scholar. RESULTS A total of 4290 citations were retrieved from the included databases. Following the removal of duplicates and the initial screening of records, a total of 36 studies were included into the analysis. Additionally, we identified five more studies through manual searches, resulting in a total of 41 eligible articles for qualitative synthesis. The study findings revealed that mpox vaccines demonstrate the ability to generate adequate antibodies; however, their effectiveness may decrease over time, exhibiting varying safety profiles. Most of the included studies consistently reported substantial levels of effectiveness and efficacy against mpox. Interestingly, the number of vaccine doses administered was found to influence the degree of immunogenicity, subsequently impacting the overall effectiveness and efficacy of the vaccines. Furthermore, we found that smallpox vaccines exhibited a form of cross-protection against mpox. CONCLUSIONS Vaccines can be used to prevent mpox and effectively control its spread.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ramy Mohamed Ghazy
- Tropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21561, Egypt; (R.M.G.); (E.E.)
| | - Ehab Elrewany
- Tropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21561, Egypt; (R.M.G.); (E.E.)
| | - Assem Gebreal
- Alexandria Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21561, Egypt; (A.G.); (E.M.H.); (Z.E.E.M.)
| | - Rony ElMakhzangy
- Family Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21561, Egypt; (R.E.); (N.F.)
| | - Noha Fadl
- Family Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21561, Egypt; (R.E.); (N.F.)
| | - Eman Hassan Elbanna
- Health Administration and Behavioral Sciences Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21561, Egypt;
| | - Mahmoud M. Tolba
- Pharmaceutical Division, Ministry of Health and Population, Faiyum City 63723, Egypt;
| | - Elsayed Mohamed Hammad
- Alexandria Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21561, Egypt; (A.G.); (E.M.H.); (Z.E.E.M.)
| | - Naglaa Youssef
- Medical-Surgical Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt;
| | | | | | - Zeyad Elsayed Eldeeb Mehana
- Alexandria Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21561, Egypt; (A.G.); (E.M.H.); (Z.E.E.M.)
| | - Ahmed Saad Al Zomia
- College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.A.Z.); (R.A.A.A.); (E.A.S.S.); (A.S.A.); (A.F.A.)
| | - Raad Ahmed A Alnami
- College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.A.Z.); (R.A.A.A.); (E.A.S.S.); (A.S.A.); (A.F.A.)
| | - Emad Ali Saeed Salma
- College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.A.Z.); (R.A.A.A.); (E.A.S.S.); (A.S.A.); (A.F.A.)
| | - Abdulaziz Saleh Alqahtani
- College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.A.Z.); (R.A.A.A.); (E.A.S.S.); (A.S.A.); (A.F.A.)
| | - Abdulaziz Fayez Alshehri
- College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia; (A.S.A.Z.); (R.A.A.A.); (E.A.S.S.); (A.S.A.); (A.F.A.)
| | - Mai Hussein
- Clinical Research Administration, Alexandria Directorate of Health Affairs, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
- Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population, Cairo 11562, Egypt
- Master of Medical Science in Clinical Investigation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jahromi AS, Jokar M, Sharifi N, Kashkooli S, Rahmanian K, Rahmanian V. Global knowledge and attitudes towards mpox (monkeypox) among healthcare workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Health 2023:ihad094. [PMID: 37861417 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihad094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recent increase in human mpox (monkeypox) cases emphasizes the importance of early detection, prompt response and preventive management to control the spread of the disease. Healthcare workers (HCWs) play a crucial role in this process. This study aimed to determine the global knowledge and attitudes towards mpox among HCWs. METHODS This study searched multiple databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Science Direct, Web of Science, Embase, Springer and ProQuest, to locate various publications. The search was limited to English-language articles published between May 2022 (when the increase in mpox incidence was reported) and August 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality checklist was utilized to evaluate the quality of the included studies. Data were obtained using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and subsequently scrutinized through STATA software, version 14. The heterogeneity of the studies was assessed using the inverse variance and Cochran Q statistics based on the I2 test statistics. The Dersimonian and Liard random effects models were used where heterogeneity existed. Subgroup analysis and univariate and multivariable metaregression techniques were used to examine the causes of heterogeneity. RESULTS A total of 22 studies, including 22 studies for knowledge (27 731 HCWs) and 6 studies for attitudes (14 388 HCWs), were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled estimates for good knowledge and positive attitudes among HCWs were 26.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 17.8 to 34.2) and 34.6% (95% CI 19.0 to 50.2), respectively. Moreover, the knowledge was 34.8% (95% CI 24.1 to 45.6) among HCWs with <5 y of work experience and 41.6% (95% CI 33.1 to 50) among individuals possessing >5 y of professional background. CONCLUSIONS Good knowledge of HCWs is at a low level. It is suggested that training sessions should be tailored towards younger HCWs with less healthcare experience. Additionally, it is essential to identify strategies on how to improve the knowledge and attitudes for better practice about the disease in HCWs worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Jokar
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
| | - Nader Sharifi
- Department of Public Health, Khomein University of Medical Sciences, Khomein, Iran
| | - Sirus Kashkooli
- Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Karamatollah Rahmanian
- Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Vahid Rahmanian
- Department of Public Health, Torbat Jam Faculty of Medical Sciences, Torbat Jam, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Masood S, Alkubaisi NA, Aslam M, Salman M, Baraka MA, Mustafa ZU, Mallhi TH, Khan YH, Meyer JC, Godman B. Knowledge of Human Monkeypox Infection among Final Year Medical, Pharmacy, and Nursing Students: A Multicenter, Cross-Sectional Analysis from Pakistan. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2777. [PMID: 37893851 PMCID: PMC10606159 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11202777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency in June 2022. In Pakistan, positive cases of monkeypox were reported in April 2023. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are considered as a front-line force to combat such outbreaks. A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 11 public sector educational institutions in Punjab, Pakistan, during May and June 2023 among final year medical, pharmacy, and nursing students concerning their knowledge of monkeypox. This included the signs/symptoms of monkeypox. Healthcare students were chosen as they are the HCWs of tomorrow. A total of 389 healthcare students participated in the study, with a mean age of 23.17 ± 1.72 years, and the majority were female. The mean knowledge score was 17.69 ± 4.55 (95% CI 17.24-18.14) out of a maximum total knowledge score of 26 (each correct answer was given a score of 1). The proportion of students with good, moderate, and poor knowledge was 21.6%, 43.2%, and 35.2%, respectively. Age (p = 0.017), gender (p < 0.001), and education (p < 0.001) had a significant impact on the knowledge score. In the multivariate linear regression model, education was the only significant factor linked to knowledge scores. Overall, the majority of future HCWs had moderate knowledge of monkeypox. Consequently, educational activities are needed to improve monkeypox-related knowledge among future HCWs. Furthermore, emerging infectious diseases should be routinely incorporated into HCW curricula.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sahabia Masood
- Department of Medicine, University Medical and Dental College Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Noorah A Alkubaisi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryam Aslam
- Basic Health Unit (BHU), 554GB, Tehsil Tandlianwala, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Salman
- Institute of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Allied Health Sciences, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Mohamed A Baraka
- Department of Pharmacy, Fatima College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 3798, United Arab Emirates
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt
| | - Zia Ul Mustafa
- Discipline of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Gelugor 11800, Penang, Malaysia
- Department of Pharmacy Services, District Headquarter (DHQ) Hospital, Pakpattan 57400, Pakistan
| | - Tauqeer Hussain Mallhi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yusra Habib Khan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, Sakaka 72388, Saudi Arabia
| | - Johanna C Meyer
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
| | - Brian Godman
- Department of Public Health Pharmacy and Management, School of Pharmacy, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science (SIPBS), University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
- Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman P.O. Box 346, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|