Knowledge of medical students in Jordan regarding monkeypox outbreak

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Human Monkeypox (HMP) is an infectious disease attributed to the orthopoxvirus. HMP was firstly documented in humans in 1970 in the Congo. Since May 2022, multiple cases of HMP were identified in several non-endemic countries including some Middle Eastern countries.  Objective  This study aims to assess the knowledge about HMP among medical students in Jordan. Methodology  A cross-sectional study was conducted using online based questionnaire. A sample of 565 medical students completed the questionnaire during May 2022. The questionnaire collected data regarding source of knowledge, causative organism, natural host, mode of transmission, incubation period, signs and symptoms, duration diagnosis prevention, treatment and complications of the disease. Results Males constituted (39.6 %) of the total sample. Significantly higher rate of knowledge was detected among males (35.7%) vs. females χ2 =10.0, P = 0.002, fifth (60.9%) and sixth (43.8%), vs. first, second and third academic years, χ2 = 83, P<0.001. Correct knowledge about signs and symptoms showed the highest rate (43.0%), followed by an Incubation period, duration and prevention of disease, (33.3%, 32.6% & 31.0%, respectively). On the other hand lowest knowledge exhibited regarding; natural host (5.0%), mode of transmission, (9.2%), psychosocial impact, (9.2%), vulnerable age group (14.2%), and complications (14.2%). Majority of students (82.3%) claimed that their knowledge was earned from social media followed by TV (16.3 %,), and the    university (8,5%).TV had the highest rate (47.8%) with adequate knowledge, χ2 =20.6, p <0.001            interestingly, 71,7% of the respondents had inadequate knowledge about the outbreak and 70,7% of them, the social media was their source of knowledge.   Conclusion Gender and higher academic year are significantly associated with adequate knowledge. Social media is significantly associated with inadequate knowledge among students.   Key words: Knowledge, Monkeypox, Social Media, Infectious Disease