Knowledge and determinants of Mpox and infection prevention and control practices among primary health care workers in Osun State, Nigeria.

INTRODUCTION

Mpox is one of the emerging global health challenges in Nigeria. Consequently, this study assessed the knowledge and determinants of Mpox and Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) practices among primary healthcare workers (HCWs) in Osun State, Nigeria.

METHODS

A survey of 429 HCWs from 36 PHC facilities in Osun State was conducted between May and August 2023. Data were collected using a 25-item interviewer-administered questionnaire. Good Mpox and IPC knowledge was determined using the mean score. The scores ranged from 0-6 and 0-10, respectively. Binary logistic regression was used to identify predictors of good knowledge of Mpox and IPC (α0.05).

RESULTS

The mean age of the respondents was 38.56±9.05years. About a third (33.4%) were community health extension workers (CHEWs), most (71.5%) were females. The majority (71.7%) had good IPC knowledge. The mean Mpox and IPC knowledge scores were 4.50±1.08 and 8.20±1.74, respectively. Most (84.9%) practice IPC to prevent the disease. Female HCWs were significantly more likely to have good Mpox (aOR= 25.2; 95%CI: 12.6-50.2) and IPC knowledge (aOR= 1.8; 95%CI: 1.1-3.0) compared to males, while HCWs who were above 35 years were least likely to have good Mpox (aOR= 0.1; CI: 0.02-0.24) and IPC knowledge (aOR=0.28; 95%CI: 0.09-0.9) compared to their younger counterparts. HCWs with previous training were more likely to have twice as good IPC knowledge (aOR= 2.39; 95%CI: 1.45-3.93) than those without training.

CONCLUSION

Mpox and IPC knowledge were good among HCWs in Osun State. Age, sex, and previous training were the predictors of Mpox and IPC knowledge. Periodic training, including supportive supervision, should be conducted to sustain and improve HCWs' Mpox and IPC knowledge in the State.