Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude, and Associated Factors towards Monkeypox Infection among residents at Bahir Dar city, Northwest Ethiopia, 2024. Community based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Due to the rapid spread of monkeypox (Mpox), raising public awareness, ensuring effective information dissemination, and early monitoring of public health are crucial in controlling its transmission.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitude, and associated factors towards Mpox infection among residents.

METHOD

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from August 17 to September 15, 2024, targeting local residents using a simple random sampling technique. A total sample size of 403 was calculated using a single population proportion formula. Data on Mpox-related knowledge, attitudes, and various socio-demographic factors were collected from the participants. Binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with knowledge and attitudes toward Mpox.

RESULT

A total of 403 subjects were recruited for this study, with a mean age of 39.73 ± 11.22 (SD) years. Among the participants, 33.7% demonstrated good knowledge of Mpox, while 57.3% exhibited positive attitudes toward the disease. Key factors were identified which significantly affect the knowledge of residents including age (adjusted odds ratio (AOR):0.262, confidence interval (CI):0.100-0.685,  = 0.006), level of education (AOR:0.603, CI: 0.328-1.108,  = 0.001), marital status (AOR:1.151, CI:0.357-3.758,  = 0.029), and source of information (AOR: 1.164, CI:0.543 -2.495,  = 0.043). In same vein, the variables include, occupation, sex and educational status were significantly influencing resident's attitude.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that overall knowledge about Mpox among residents was low. However, reasonable level of public attitude was identified. Overall, equitable public health interventions are needed to enhance public understanding and attitudes toward Mpox.