This report presents an extensive study from the Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare authored by numerous Ethiopian experts in the Healthcare field. The paper focuses on healthcare professionals’ readiness to deal with emerging infectious diseases. A vital element of this investigation centers on healthcare workers’ knowledge and attitudes towards Monkeypox infections.
Carving out a defense against the surge of new infectious diseases forms a significant part of healthcare workers’ obligations. However, the study identifies a substantial gap in understanding and attitudes towards Monkeypox among these professionals, which directly implicates the global healthcare system’s preparedness for such outbreaks. The authors polled healthcare workers at Injibara General Hospital in Northwest Ethiopia, pursuing clear insights into the sector’s level of cognizance and preparedness.
The exploration was structured as an institution-based cross-sectional study conducted during December 2022. The investigators gathered data using a comprehensive self-administered questionnaire, randomly selecting participants from the healthcare worker database. The survey revealed that only 38.5% of the respondents had adequate knowledge about Monkeypox, despite their critical role in combating such outbreaks. Similarly, the investigation displayed that only 62% of those surveyed had a positive attitude towards the infection.
The study delved deeper to determine the factors associated with this lack of sufficient knowledge. Variables such as completing a master’s degree or higher, being vaccinated against COVID-19, and accessibility to Monkeypox information positively impacted the participants’ cognizance of the disease. A positive attitude towards the subject showed a significant correlation with age, particularly among respondents aged 30 years or older, and those with access to information on Monkeypox.
Monkeypox, a contagious ailment triggered by the Monkeypox virus, transmits from animals to humans, causing what is known as human Monkeypox. Healthcare workers worldwide, particularly in locations such as Ethiopia, a popular tourist destination, must possess a high level of knowledge and a positive attitude towards such diseases to ensure their management and containment. This report highlights the importance of specialized education and information for healthcare workers to bolster global healthcare defenses against future disease outbreaks.