ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICES TOWARDS MONKEYPOX VIRUS AMONG HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS OF DISTRICT LAKKI MARWAT

Abstract

Background:

Fighting health threats, especially the rise of this new widely spreading infectious disease. But the knowledge, attitude and practices of Health care workers were not assessed. Our study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of HCWs towards monkeypox virus.

METHODS:

Descriptive cross sectional study was conducted for a time period of about 6 months. The data were collected using structured questionnaire. The sample size were calculated using Cochran’s formula. . A non-probability convenient sampling method was used for sample collection. The data were analyzed using SPSS V28. Simple descriptive statistics were used by drawing customized tables and graphs from entered data.

Results:

Among 384 HCWs who participated in the research study 51.8% shows good knowledge 85.3% shows positive attitudes and 77.96% adopts good practices respectively. Education is the factor that effects those factors. Those HCWs with a bachelor’s degree or above have more good knowledge shows positive attitudes and adopts good practices against MPXV than those who have low education like Diploma holders.

Conclusion:

The study showed noticeable difference in knowledge, attitude and practices among HCWs with the level of education affecting them. And encourages the health care authorities to arrange education campaigns for those with low education like diploma holders so hat they could manage health emergencies like monkeypox.