Healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding mpox in two affected districts of Uganda, 2024
- 1Uganda Public Health Fellowship Program, Uganda National Institute of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda
- 2Integrated Epidemiology, Surveillance and Public Health Emergencies, Ministry of Health, Kampala, Uganda
Abstract
Introduction: The Ministry of Health reported the first mpox cases in Uganda on July 24, 2024, in Kasese and Mayuge. Initial case investigations revealed low clinical suspicion among healthcare workers. To inform targeted interventions, we assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) toward mpox among HCWs and determined factors associated with mpox KAP in Kasese and Mayuge districts, Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August–September, 2024 among healthcare workers’ (HCWs) on a day-time shift at health facilities that had either registered a confirmed, probable, or suspected mpox case in Kasese and Mayuge districts. Data related to HCWs KAP and socio-demographic characteristics were collected using a pre-tested self-administered tool. Knowledge was assessed using 15 items, attitude 7, and practices 6. Using Bloom’s cut‐off criteria ≥80% cut off was used to determine good knowledge and positive attitude, and a cut-off of ≥75% for good practices toward mpox. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with adequate mpox knowledge at 95% confidence interval. Results: Overall, 339 HCWs participated in the study with an 80% response rate. Of these, 253 (75%) were aged 18-35 years, 215 (63%) were female, and 62% were nurses or midwives. The majority (84%; n=286) had adequate knowledge, 297 (88%) had a bad attitude, and 326 (96%) demonstrated poor mpox practices. Being a laboratory technician (aPR=2.7, 95% CI:1.0-7.2) was associated with adequate knowledge of mpox. Conclusion: Surveyed HCWs demonstrated adequate knowledge; however, their attitude and practices toward mpox were suboptimal. There is a need for targeted training and mentorship, including simulation exercises, to translate knowledge into actionable and effective outbreak management practices and a positive attitude during similar outbreaks.
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BibTeX
@article{kobusingye2026healthcare,
title = {{Healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding mpox in two affected districts of Uganda, 2024}},
author = {Joyce Owens Kobusingye and Richard Migisha and Emmanuel Mfitundinda and Hannington Katumba and Joanita Nalwanga and Daniel Wenani and Lilian Bulage and Stella Lunkuse and Michael Mwanga and Benon Kwesiga and Alex Riolexus Ario},
journal = {Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.37432/jieph-d-25-00252},
url = {https://doi.org/10.37432/jieph-d-25-00252},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding mpox in two affected districts of Uganda, 2024
AU - Joyce Owens Kobusingye
AU - Richard Migisha
AU - Emmanuel Mfitundinda
AU - Hannington Katumba
AU - Joanita Nalwanga
AU - Daniel Wenani
AU - Lilian Bulage
AU - Stella Lunkuse
AU - Michael Mwanga
AU - Benon Kwesiga
AU - Alex Riolexus Ario
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/01
JO - Journal of Interventional Epidemiology and Public Health
DO - 10.37432/jieph-d-25-00252
UR - https://doi.org/10.37432/jieph-d-25-00252
AB - Introduction: The Ministry of Health reported the first mpox cases in Uganda on July 24, 2024, in Kasese and Mayuge. Initial case investigations revealed low clinical suspicion among healthcare workers. To inform targeted interventions, we assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) toward mpox among HCWs and determined factors associated with mpox KAP in Kasese and Mayuge districts, Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August–September, 2024 among healthcare workers’ (HCWs) on a day-time shift at health facilities that had either registered a confirmed, probable, or suspected mpox case in Kasese and Mayuge districts. Data related to HCWs KAP and socio-demographic characteristics were collected using a pre-tested self-administered tool. Knowledge was assessed using 15 items, attitude 7, and practices 6. Using Bloom’s cut‐off criteria ≥80% cut off was used to determine good knowledge and positive attitude, and a cut-off of ≥75% for good practices toward mpox. Modified Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with adequate mpox knowledge at 95% confidence interval. Results: Overall, 339 HCWs participated in the study with an 80% response rate. Of these, 253 (75%) were aged 18-35 years, 215 (63%) were female, and 62% were nurses or midwives. The majority (84%; n=286) had adequate knowledge, 297 (88%) had a bad attitude, and 326 (96%) demonstrated poor mpox practices. Being a laboratory technician (aPR=2.7, 95% CI:1.0-7.2) was associated with adequate knowledge of mpox. Conclusion: Surveyed HCWs demonstrated adequate knowledge; however, their attitude and practices toward mpox were suboptimal. There is a need for targeted training and mentorship, including simulation exercises, to translate knowledge into actionable and effective outbreak management practices and a positive attitude during similar outbreaks.
SN - 2664-2824
ER -