Community awareness and attitude in Al-Jouf region toward monkeypox

Monkeypox disease (MPX) is a zoonotic, re-emerging viral disease that started with epidemics in Africa in 1958, with high death rates.

The current research assessed the community awareness about the re-emerging Monkeypox infection, its mode of transmission, clinical manifestations, and prevention. Their attitudes toward MPX, infected persons, and the prophylactic measures were evaluated.

An online questionnaire was distributed to all community sectors in Al-Jouf region, Saudi Arabia.

Among 411 participants, Saudi citizens reported the highest response (94.9%). The average knowledge score was 22.48 out of 30. More than half of the participants correctly identified Monkeypox as a viral infectious disease (78.8%), manifested by rash (69.1%), and required isolation (75.4%). However, knowledge gaps were noticed, where about half of the participants were uncertain about the presence of the vaccine, and transmission via contact with wild animals. Participants' attitudes their worry about the viral spread, and 76.4% agreed on getting the protective vaccine. Attitudes toward reaching out to MPX-infected individuals were more mixed, with a notable level of hesitancy or stigma regarding contact with MPX-infected people.

There are satisfactory levels of knowledge about MPX in nearly all aspects except for the ways of transmission and the availability of vaccination. A positive attitude to know more about MPX, strictly follow the prophylactic measures, and take the vaccine. Hesitancy regarding social contact with infected individuals was obvious. This highlights the urgent need to prepare education programs targeting these aspects.