Human Monkeypox knowledge gaps among nurses: implications for training and outbreak preparedness

BACKGROUND: Monkeypox (MPX) has become a significant global health concern, and the 2022 outbreak highlights weaknesses in healthcare preparedness and international travel safety. The lack of information on medical experts' awareness emphasizes the necessity for immediate assessment, even though no instances have been documented in Palestine. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate Palestinian nurses' knowledge of MPOX and explore variables that may influence their understanding. METHODS: Three hundred seventy-nine nurses working in various healthcare facilities in Palestine participated in this cross-sectional study using a validated electronic questionnaire. Sociodemographic information was collected and 30 multiple-choice questions measuring MPOX-related knowledge were rated on a scale of 0 to 10. RESULTS: The average knowledge score of the participants was 5.5 out of 10 (SD = 3.27). Only 33.5% of respondents had a high degree of understanding. Age, education level, location of residence, workplace, clinical experience, and prior attendance at MPOX lectures were significantly associated with higher knowledge scores (all p < 0.001). Attending MPOX lectures (B = 5.595, p < 0.001), having a higher level of education (B = 5.074, p < 0.001), working in closed units (B = 1.764, p = 0.005), and having more clinical experience (B = 0.308, p = 0.018) were significant predictors of higher knowledge. CONCLUSION: While they show a rudimentary awareness of MPOX, Palestinian nurses are not well-versed in its prevention, treatment, and transmission. Healthcare preparation must be strengthened by addressing urban-rural inequities, implementing thorough training, and incorporating MPOX into nursing curricula.