Knowledge and preventive practices related to Monkey pox among medical doctors in Sokoto metropolis of Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: For effective control of Monkey pox (Mpox), clinicians need to have adequate knowledge of the disease and adopt appropriate practices to contain it. This study sought to assess the knowledge and practices of medical doctors regarding Monkey pox.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design was utilized for the study and using a two stage sampling method, 210 medical doctors working in Sokoto metropolis were recruited into the study. A set of structured, pretested and self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information from the study participants. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS computer software version 23 with level of statistical significance set at p<0.05

Results: All the respondents were aware of Mpox with more than half (52.3%) having the internet as their commonest source of information. The majority, ((72%) of the clinicians had good knowledge and only years of working experience was significantly associated with knowledge of the disease. Preventive practices were well exhibited by all the respondents with the majority (73%) having appropriate preventive practices.

Conclusion and recommendation: This study has demonstrated good knowledge towards Mpox by clinicians in Sokoto metropolis, with a greater majority exhibiting appropriate preventive practices. Sustained awareness and retraining of health care workers in general is necessary to maintain the tempo of high index of suspicion for outbreaks of Mpox and other potential epidemics and also regular use of personal protective equipment.