Assessment of knowledge on human Mpox virus among general population in Bangladesh

Mpox (Monkeypox) is a zoonotic Orthopox virus of the Poxviridae family. The general public in Bangladesh should be informed about Mpox to reduce the burden of a possible epidemic in the community. The study aimed to determine the level of public awareness and knowledge about Mpox among the general community to provide information regarding future preventive measures. From May to August 2022, this nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted in eight administrative divisions in Bangladesh with a semi-structured questionnaire consisting of knowledge-based questions about Mpox. Among the total of 1,711 respondents, almost two-thirds (N = 1139) of the respondents had heard about Mpox prior to the study. But we observed poor knowledge scores about the transmission pathways (0.71 ± 0.73), vaccination (0.09 ± 0.27), and the signs and symptoms of Mpox (1.91 ± 1.50). Most participants were also unaware of the treatment options of Mpox (0.22 ± 0.59). Educational status and occupation were found to affect the knowledge significantly (p value < 0.001). This study showed that the higher the education level, the higher the knowledge level. Overall, our results suggest that the general community has a minimal understanding of the spread of Mpox and its prevention. Thereby to combat and prevent a potential endemic, it is essential to implement either live or virtual awareness programs about this virus in Bangladesh and similar countries.