Assessment of Healthcare Workers Knowledge and Attitudes towards Mpox Infection at University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Referral Hospital, Ethiopia

Alemante Tafese Beyna ^* Ermias Teklehaimanot Yefter Assefa Belay Asrie HABTAMU SEMAGNE Ayele Tafere Mulaw Belete Wondim Ayenew Gashaw Sisay Chanie Liknaw Workie Limenh Melese Legesse Mitku Mihret Melese Gizachew Kassahun Bizuneh Assefa Kebad Mengesha

• University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Healthcare workers are on the frontlines of fighting health risks, especially during epidemics. Despite their critical role, their knowledge and attitudes toward Mpox have not been previously evaluated at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare workers regarding Mpox at this hospital.Method: This cross-sectional study assessing 382 HCWs. It was conducted on August 1-30, 2024. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. A simple random sampling technique was used. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used. P< 0.05 was considered as Significant. Result: Almost half of the participants (48.40%) showed good knowledge, and 49.20% displayed a positive attitude toward Mpox. Age ≥50 Years old (AOR=4.1, 95% CI 1.33-12.07), Physicians (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.57–6.50), pharmacists (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI 1.55–8.06), having a B.Sc. Degree (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.58-6.84), having M.Sc. (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI 1.60-6.84), work experience of 5-10 years (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.78-5.95), HCWs who get information primarily from training (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI 1.08-6.70), and HCWs attending training including Mpox (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.16-3.19) were more likely to having good knowledge than their counter. HCWs those having a M.Sc. degree (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.11-4.20), physician (AOR=2.1, 95% CI 1.10–4.16), pharmacist (AOR=2.6, 95% CI 1.21–5.76), HCWs having work experience of 5-10 (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.44-4.38), and HCWs attending training including Mpox (AOR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.18-3.07) were more likely to have positive attitude than their counter.Conclusion: This study revealed nearly half of the participants had a limited knowledge and negative attitudes. To addressing this gap it is essential to support training, integrate education, and improve resource accessibility.Keywords: Mpox, Healthcare workers, knowledge, attitudes