Healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding mpox in two affected districts of Uganda, 2024

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.