Knowledge, attitude, and perception of Pakistani populations toward monkeypox: a cross-section study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• The resurgence of monkeypox (Mpox) in non-endemic regions necessitates understanding public knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions.
• Public adherence to preventative measures is directly linked to their understanding and perception of Mpox.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the general population's knowledge, attitude, and perceptions regarding Mpox in Pakistan.
• To identify factors influencing public understanding and response to Mpox.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 3465 participants was conducted using an online survey from August 15-30, 2022.
• The survey comprised 37 questions covering sociodemographics, knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of Mpox.
• Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and regression, were performed using Python 3.

Main Results:

• A significant portion of participants (66.78%) recognized Mpox prevalence in African countries, and 85.69% knew it is caused by a virus.
• Over 72% understood Mpox transmission via contaminated surfaces, and 60.52% knew antivirals are used for treatment.
• A majority (90.22%) believed Mpox could be eradicated, and most indicated positive intentions for protective behaviors like hand hygiene and PPE use.

Conclusions:

• The study indicates a generally positive level of knowledge and attitude towards Mpox among the Pakistani population.
• Despite positive findings, a structured public health awareness framework is essential to prevent Mpox occurrence and spread.
• Targeted interventions can further enhance public understanding and reinforce preventative behaviors against Mpox.