AUTHOR=Nka Alex Durand , Bouba Yagai , Fokam Joseph , Ka'e Aude Christelle , Gabisa Jeremiah Efakika , Mandeng Nadia , Mfonkou Delors Jacques Toumansie , Ambe Chenwi Collins , Mballa Mpouel Marie-Laure , Djikeussi Tatiana , Tchounga Boris Kevin , Ayuk Ngwese Derrick Tambe , Njume Debimeh , Mbala Nomo Sonia Emmanuelle , Ngoufack Jagni Semengue Ezechiel , Tiotsia Tsapi Armand , Fokou Bernadette Bomgning , Simo Kamdem Ingrid Koster , Tommo Tchouaket Michel Carlos , Takou Désiré , Pabo Willy , Sosso Samuel Martin , Tandi Erick , Esso Linda , Etoundi Mballa Georges Alain , Zoung-Kanyi Bissek Anne-Cecile , Gregory Edie Halle-Ekane , Ndembi Nicaise , Colizzi Vittorio , Perno Carlo-Federico , Ndjolo Alexis 

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

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 12 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2024.1288139

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2024.1288139

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=An increased incidence of Human Mokeypox (Mpox) cases was recently observed globally incluing in Cameroon. To ensure an 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.A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among HCW in Cameroon using a 21-item questions adapted from the US-CDC standard questionnaire on Mpox. The overall knowledge was assessed by cumulative score and categorised as excellent (≥80%, 17/21) or good (≥70%, ≥15/21) knowledge. Regression analysis was used to identify predictors of Mpox knowledge.The survey enrolled 377 participants, but responses from 342 participants were analyzed. Overall, 50.6% were females, and 59.6% were 30 years old or younger. Most were medical doctors (50.3%); most worked in Central level Hospitals (25.1%) and had 1-5 years of experience (70.7%). Up to 92.7% had heard about Mpox, with online 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 on Mpox (aOR [95% CI]: 4.01 [1.43-11.24]). Knowledge on treatment/management of Mpox was generally poor across the different professional categories.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 organised for HCWs, while encouraging scientific literature and organisational social media web sites.