Knowledge level regarding mpox among nurses in China: a cross-sectional study

Mpox poses a public health threat in China. Nurses are crucial in patient management, yet their mpox knowledge is poorly understood. This study aimed to describe mpox awareness among Chinese nurses, assess their level of mpox-related knowledge, and identify factors associated with good knowledge.

An online cross-sectional survey was conducted with a self-designed questionnaire, collecting data on respondents' demographics, clinical specialties, and institutional characteristics. Mpox knowledge was evaluated across etiology, clinical manifestations, transmission routes, and prevention and control measures, with a score of ≥30 out of 37 defined as good knowledge. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the influencing factors of good mpox knowledge.

Among 2,086 online questionnaires distributed to nurses across 19 Chinese provinces, 2,023 were valid (96.98% response rate). Among the 1,766 respondents who had heard of mpox and completed the knowledge assessment, 381 (21.57%) demonstrated good mpox knowledge. Domain-specific correct response rates were 52.71% for etiology, 68.47% for clinical characteristics, and 66.38% for transmission/prevention/control. Multivariable logistic regression showed that good mpox knowledge was positively associated with age >35 years, college degree or higher, employment in district/county-level hospitals, traditional media as knowledge source, and participation in mpox training.

Mpox knowledge among Chinese nurses is inadequate. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted, standardized, and multi-channel educational interventions, particularly for younger nurses, those in higher-level hospitals, and frontline clinical personnel. Strengthening professional training and improving access to reliable information sources are essential to enhance nurses' preparedness and response capacity for emerging infectious diseases such as mpox.