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Zeidan RK, Shukla A, Hussein A, AlZubaidi H, Temsah MH, AlHajjaj MS, Al-Bluwi N, Awad M, Alsayed HAH, Saheb Sharif-Askari N, AlHano Z, Agha R, Hamid Q, Halwani R, Saddik B. Assessment of Knowledge, Perceptions, and Attitudes During the Global Mpox Outbreak in June 2022: A Cross-Sectional Study From the United Arab Emirates. Int J Public Health 2023; 68:1606080. [PMID: 38024212 PMCID: PMC10657881 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1606080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: To examine knowledge, worry, anxiety, and vaccine acceptance for mpox among UAE adults. Methods: An online survey, advertised on academic and social media platform in June 2022 collected data from 959 participants (aged 18 and above) on mpox beliefs, risks, knowledge, worry, anxiety, COVID-19 infection, vaccination, and willingness to receive the mpox vaccine. Bivariate and logistic regression analysis identified associations and predictors between variables. Results: 56% had optimal knowledge of mpox transmission and symptoms. 54% were worried, and 27% experienced anxiety related to the outbreak. Knowledge scores were higher among women, healthcare workers, and those with reliable information sources. High perceived infection risk, changes in precautionary measures, and belief in difficult treatment predicted more worry and anxiety. Higher worry and two or more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine predicted higher likelihood of taking the mpox vaccine. Conclusion: The UAE population showed low knowledge and high worry and anxiety during the global mpox outbreak. Increasing public awareness through targeted educational campaigns is vital. Promoting better understanding of infectious diseases, addressing concerns, and encouraging vaccine uptake can prepare for future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouba Karen Zeidan
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ankita Shukla
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amal Hussein
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Hamzah AlZubaidi
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- School of Medicine, Deakin Rural Health, Deakin University Faculty of Health, Warrnambool, VIC, Australia
| | - Mohamad-Hani Temsah
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed S. AlHajjaj
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Najlaa Al-Bluwi
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Manal Awad
- Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Narjes Saheb Sharif-Askari
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Zahraa AlHano
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Razan Agha
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Qutayba Hamid
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute, McGill University Health Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Rabih Halwani
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Basema Saddik
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Behavioural Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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