As mpox spreads beyond its traditional confines, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in PLOS ONE has revealed significant gaps in public and healthcare workers’ knowledge and attitudes toward the disease. Conducted by Darwin A. León-Figueroa and colleagues, the study analyzed 27 cross-sectional studies from 15 countries, involving 22,327 participants. The findings highlight the urgent need to improve global preparedness, particularly in regions with limited awareness of the disease.
Mpox: An Emerging Global Health Concern
Mpox, a viral zoonotic disease caused by the mpox virus, was historically confined to Central and West Africa. However, outbreaks in non-endemic countries have drawn attention, especially after the 2022 global outbreak that affected over 97,000 people across 118 countries by June 2024.
The rapid transmission of mpox, predominantly affecting men who have sex with men (MSM), underscored the need for enhanced public health preparedness. This study provides insight into knowledge gaps and attitudes across diverse populations, identifying areas for targeted health interventions.
Key Findings
Knowledge Levels
The study revealed that only 33% of participants demonstrated good knowledge of mpox, including its transmission, symptoms, and prevention methods. Regional disparities were significant: Algeria had the highest knowledge level at 65%, while only 5% of participants in the Philippines were sufficiently informed.
Healthcare workers, despite being on the frontlines, were not immune to knowledge gaps. Only 32% of healthcare professionals had adequate knowledge of mpox, signaling the need for better training and awareness programs within the medical community.
Attitudes Toward Mpox
Attitudes toward the disease were similarly concerning, with just 40% of participants displaying a positive outlook on controlling and preventing mpox. Healthcare workers had a slightly better attitude, with 53% expressing confidence in managing the disease. In contrast, public attitudes in regions like Iraq were notably lower, with only 12% displaying confidence in mpox control measures, compared to 85% in Bangladesh.
These findings highlight the role of socio-economic, cultural, and informational factors in shaping public responses to health crises. Low trust in health systems, lack of reliable information, and fear of disease severity all contribute to the variance in attitudes toward mpox across different regions.
Vaccination Intentions
Vaccination is a critical component of mpox prevention, but the study found mixed results regarding willingness to vaccinate. Overall, 58% of participants expressed an intention to get vaccinated, though this varied significantly between regions. In China, 76% of respondents showed a willingness to vaccinate, while in Iraq, only 26% expressed similar intentions.
The variation in vaccination readiness reflects broader public health challenges, including mistrust of vaccines and concerns over potential side effects. These findings suggest that successful vaccination campaigns will require not only accessibility but also strong public outreach to address fears and misinformation.
Contributing Factors
Several factors influence the knowledge and attitudes toward mpox, starting with access to information. The study indicated that in many regions, participants relied heavily on self-reported data, which can lead to biases as individuals might overestimate their knowledge. Furthermore, studies showed high heterogeneity, pointing to significant differences in the assessment methods used to gauge understanding of mpox.
Cultural, social, and economic factors also play a pivotal role. For example, countries with lower trust in healthcare systems or governments, like Iraq and the Philippines, displayed lower knowledge and vaccination intentions, which could hinder efforts to curb the disease’s spread.
The Need for Public Health Education
The gaps identified in this study underscore the need for targeted public health campaigns. Both healthcare workers and the general population require more effective educational programs to better understand mpox and its prevention.
For healthcare workers, continuous training on disease transmission, prevention, and treatment is essential. For the general public, accessible and culturally sensitive campaigns should be prioritized. These campaigns need to address both the knowledge gaps and the negative attitudes that may prevent people from taking preventive measures, such as vaccination.
Limitations of the Study
While the study provides valuable insights, there are several limitations. The use of self-reported data introduces potential biases, as respondents may provide socially desirable answers. Additionally, the heterogeneity among the studies makes it challenging to generalize the findings across all regions. There was also evidence of publication bias, which could further skew the results. Despite these limitations, the study’s rigorous analysis strengthens its conclusions.
Conclusion
This study highlights a critical gap in global knowledge and attitudes toward mpox, emphasizing the need for improved public health strategies. As the disease continues to spread, addressing these gaps is essential to prevent further outbreaks. Public health authorities must focus on tailored education programs and transparent vaccination campaigns to build trust and ensure that both healthcare workers and the public are prepared to respond to mpox.
Global efforts to raise awareness, promote positive attitudes, and encourage vaccination will be vital in controlling the spread of mpox. This study provides a roadmap for policymakers, emphasizing the importance of addressing socio-cultural factors that influence public health responses. With coordinated action, we can close the knowledge gaps and improve global preparedness against mpox.
