Assessment of knowledge, attitudes and behavior, perception, risk factors, practices, One Health, and interventions regarding Monkeypox in Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: The monkeypox virus, a species of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family, is the etiological agent of monkeypox, a rare but re-emerging zoonotic disease in non-endemic regions

Aim and Objectives: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and awareness, as well as the risk factors related to monkeypox, among the general population of Pakistan. It also investigated preventive practices, healthcare-seeking behavior, and One Health awareness to inform evidence-based strategies for reducing monkeypox incidence in Pakistan.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Pakistan from June to December 2023 to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, risk factors, practices, One Health, and interventions related to monkeypox. A standard, pre-validated questionnaire addressing critical questions about monkeypox was used, and 640 participants completed the study.

Results: Among 640 study participants, the majority were male (56.6%). Overall, 75.6% of participants had poor knowledge of monkeypox. A positive attitude was reported in 58.8% of participants, and 74.8% expressed willingness to adopt precautionary measures. The chi-square test results showed significant associations between socio-demographic characteristics and knowledge, including gender (p < 0.033), education (p < 0.028), occupation (p < 0.038), and smoking status (p < 0.000). For attitudes, significant associations were observed with gender (p < 0.003), income (p < 0.003), occupation (p < 0.007), and smoking status (p < 0.000).

Conclusions: Although most participants demonstrated insufficient knowledge and positive attitudes towards monkeypox. This underscores the need for a comprehensive public health education initiative aimed at preventing the emergence and transmission of monkeypox in Pakistan.