Knowledge and attitude regarding monkeypox among Saudi MOH primary healthcare nurses in Jeddah: A cross-sectional...

Knowledge of monkeypox can be utilized to prevent and control possible new cases of monkeypox. Access to knowledge regarding monkeypox can help the health worker to determine the suspected cases of monkeypox and enhance Ministry of Health (MOH) efforts for good prevention and control of the disease that leads to reduced incidences. The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge of and attitude toward monkeypox disease among nurses.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among nurses working at MOH primary health care centers in Jeddah city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between November 1 and December 31, 2022. A structured self-administered questionnaire was utilized in data collection including sections, the demographic information, work experience, respondent's knowledge of monkeypox, and nurses' attitude toward monkeypox.

A total of 195 nurses were included in the study. Females represented 56.4% of them, and almost half (50.3%) aged between 35 and 44 years. The history of hearing about monkeypox was reported by the majority (88.2%) of the participated nurses. Overall, a good level of knowledge regarding monkeypox disease was observed among 16.9% of the nurses, whereas 30.8% of them had a poor level of knowledge. Nurses in the age group of 45-54 years, non-Saudis, and technicians/specialists were more knowledgeable about monkeypox disease compared to their peers. More than half of the nurses (57.9%) expressed positive attitude toward monkeypox disease, particularly more experienced nurses (>5 years) and those with good knowledge about the disease.

Although the majority of nurses were aware of monkeypox disease, their knowledge about the disease was mostly poor to fair. However, they expressed positive attitude toward the disease. There is a need to organize educational programs for them about the disease, and this may assist the higher authorities to improve monkeypox prevention and control.