Monkeypox in Focus: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Southeastern Nigeria during the Post-2022 Outbreak Era

Abstract

Recent global health events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Monkeypox (Mpox) outbreaks have highlighted the need for proactive public health preparedness. Although Mpox did not reach pandemic status, its rapid transboundary spread from Nigeria to other continents raised concern. Effective disease response relies heavily on an informed population, especially in endemic regions. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding Mpox among residents of Southeastern Nigeria to examine the demographic factors associated with their KAP levels. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 392 residents across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States. A validated structured questionnaire was distributed via Google forms through online platforms (WhatsApp, Telegram e.t.c) over a three-month period adopting purposive and snowballing sampling techniques. Data generated were analyzed using SPSS version 23, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Respondents were predominantly aged 18–37 (49.5%), female (58.9%), and had tertiary education (96.9%). Enugu State had the highest representation (33.4%). Overall, good knowledge, attitude, and practice levels were observed in 91.5%, 84.1%, and 67.4% of respondents, respectively. Knowledge and practice levels showed no significant association with sociodemographic variables. However, attitude level was significantly associated with state of residence (χ² = 10.795, df = 4, p = 0.023). Binary logistic regression showed that residents of Ebonyi State were three times more likely to have a positive attitude towards Mpox (OR = 3.288, p = 0.038). Enhanced public enlightenment campaigns are essential to sustain and improve KAP regarding Mpox and other infectious diseases in Southeastern Nigeria.