Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice on Mpox in Kumba Health District: A Call for Public Awareness
1
1. Biochemistry and molecular Biology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
2
2. Medical Laboratory Sciences, Higher Institute of Applied Medical Sciences, Buea, Cameroon
3
4. Department of Gerontology, Department of Gerontology, Brussels, Belgium
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3. Animal Biology and Conservation, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Despite the decline of cases of Monkeypox (Mpox) Virus, an emerging zoonotic Orthopoxvirus, that has led to a global outbreak since 2022, with over 137 countries reporting around 153961 confirmed cases and 380 deaths, the global strategic preparedness and response plan underscores the need for community engagement in prevention efforts for at-risk populations to reduce public health impacts. However, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding the virus in at-risk populations in Kumba Health District, Cameroon, remain unclear. This study aims to investigate these KAPs in Kumba following the outbreak.
METHODS:
This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study, using data collected through semi-structured and self-administered questionnaires, from 409 participants using a convenience sampling technique. The differences in mean scores and identifying factors associated with knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward Mpox were analysed through bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, respectively.
RESULTS:
The participants demonstrated inadequate knowledge about monkeypox, with only 29.6% exhibiting sufficient understanding. However, they displayed a positive attitude (83.6%) and good practices (79.5%) regarding the disease. The findings further showed that factors such as level of education, age, sex, marital status and employment status were significantly associated with knowledge, while only level of education was significantly associated with attitude and practice regarding monkeypox. Those with tertiary education exhibited good knowledge (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.122, P<0.001), positive attitude (Crude odds ratio (COR) 4.925, P=0.008) and good practice (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.235, P<0.020) compared to those with secondary or lower levels of education.
CONCLUSIONS:
These findings underscore the necessity of increasing public awareness through the development of public health education programs, training sessions, and awareness campaigns aimed at enhancing the knowledge of vulnerable populations. This approach will strengthen community engagement for pandemic prevention and preparedness. Continuous education and awareness improve adherence to prevention, reducing public health impact.
Despite the decline of cases of Monkeypox (Mpox) Virus, an emerging zoonotic Orthopoxvirus, that has led to a global outbreak since 2022, with over 137 countries reporting around 153961 confirmed cases and 380 deaths, the global strategic preparedness and response plan underscores the need for community engagement in prevention efforts for at-risk populations to reduce public health impacts. However, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) regarding the virus in at-risk populations in Kumba Health District, Cameroon, remain unclear. This study aims to investigate these KAPs in Kumba following the outbreak.
METHODS:
This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study, using data collected through semi-structured and self-administered questionnaires, from 409 participants using a convenience sampling technique. The differences in mean scores and identifying factors associated with knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward Mpox were analysed through bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, respectively.
RESULTS:
The participants demonstrated inadequate knowledge about monkeypox, with only 29.6% exhibiting sufficient understanding. However, they displayed a positive attitude (83.6%) and good practices (79.5%) regarding the disease. The findings further showed that factors such as level of education, age, sex, marital status and employment status were significantly associated with knowledge, while only level of education was significantly associated with attitude and practice regarding monkeypox. Those with tertiary education exhibited good knowledge (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 4.122, P<0.001), positive attitude (Crude odds ratio (COR) 4.925, P=0.008) and good practice (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.235, P<0.020) compared to those with secondary or lower levels of education.
CONCLUSIONS:
These findings underscore the necessity of increasing public awareness through the development of public health education programs, training sessions, and awareness campaigns aimed at enhancing the knowledge of vulnerable populations. This approach will strengthen community engagement for pandemic prevention and preparedness. Continuous education and awareness improve adherence to prevention, reducing public health impact.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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