Current knowledge of human Mpox viral infection among healthcare workers in Cameroon calls for capacity-strengthening for pandemic preparedness

Abstract

Introduction: An increased incidence of human Monkeypox (Mpox) cases was recently observed worldwide, including in Cameroon. To ensure efficient preparedness and interventions in the health system, we sought to assess the knowledge of Mpox's transmission, prevention, and response among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Cameroon.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among HCWs in Cameroon using 21-item questions adapted from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US-CDC) standard questionnaire on Mpox. The overall knowledge of Mpox was assessed by cumulative score and categorized as excellent (≥80%, 17/21) or good (≥70%, ≥15/21) knowledge. The regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of Mpox knowledge.

Results: The survey enrolled 377 participants, but only responses from 342 participants were analyzed. Overall, 50.6% were female participants, and 59.6% aged 30 years or younger. The majority of the participants were medical doctors (50.3%); most worked in central-level hospitals (25.1%) and had 1-5 years of experience (70.7%). A total of up to 92.7% were aware of Mpox, with social media (58.7%) and radio/television (49.2%) as the main sources. The mean knowledge score was 14.0 ± 3.0 (4 to 20), with only 12.9% having excellent knowledge (≥80%) and 42.1% having good knowledge of Mpox. Younger age (26-30 years old) was associated with good knowledge, while workplace type was associated with excellent knowledge of Mpox (aOR [95% CI]: 4.01 [1.43-11.24]). Knowledge of treatment/management of Mpox was generally poor across the different professional categories.

Conclusion: Knowledge of Mpox among HCWs is substandard across different professionals. Thus, for optimal preparedness and immediate interventions for Mpox and similar emerging pathogens, capacity-strengthening programs should be organized for HCWs while encouraging scientific literature and organizational social media websites.

Keywords: Cameroon; emerging pathogens; healthcare workers; knowledge; monkeypox (Mpox).

Figure 1

Sources of information on Mpox among HCWs. Some HCWs obtained Mpox information from multiple sources.

Figure 2

Knowledge of Mpox transmission means. “Others” (laboratory scientists, epidemiologists, pharmacy technicians, radiographers, physiotherapists, and dental technicians); “Overall” (mean of knowledge among medical doctors, nursing, and other categories); Q07 and Q08 represent questions 07 and 08 in the questionnaire used to assess the level of knowledge; Q07: Monkeypox is easily transmitted from human-to-human. Q08: Monkeypox could be transmitted through a bite of an infected monkey. GK, Good Knowledge (70% of good response).

Figure 3

Knowledge of Mpox clinical diagnostics among HCWs. “Others” (laboratory scientists, epidemiologists, pharmacy technicians, radiographers, physiotherapists, and dental technicians); “Overall” (mean of knowledge among medical doctors, nurses, and Others categories); Q10, Q11, Q12, Q13, Q14, Q15, and Q16 represent questions 10 to 16 in the questionnaire used to assess the level of knowledge; Q10: Monkeypox and smallpox have similar signs and symptoms. Q11: Monkeypox and smallpox have the same signs and symptoms. Q12: Flu-like syndrome is one of the early signs or symptoms of human Monkeypox. Q13: Rashes on the skin are one of the signs or symptoms of human Monkeypox. Q14: Papules on the skin are one of the signs or symptoms of human Monkeypox. Q15: Vesicles on the skin are one of the signs or symptoms of human Monkeypox. Q16: Pustules on the skin are one of the signs or symptoms of human Monkeypox. GK, Good Knowledge (70% of good response).

Figure 4

Knowledge on treatment/management of Mpox among HCWs. “Others” included laboratory scientists, epidemiologists, pharmacy technicians, radiographers, physiotherapists, and dental technicians. Q18, Q19, and Q20 represent questions 18 to 20 in the questionnaire used to assess the level of knowledge. Q18: One management option for patients with Monkeypox who are symptomatic is to use paracetamol. Q19: Antivirals are required in the management of human Monkeypox patients. Q20: Antibiotics are required in the management of human Monkeypox patients. GK, Good Knowledge (70% of good response).