Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions toward Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever among a Sample of Physicians in Baghdad/Al-Karkh 2024

Abstract Background: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an acute tick-borne zoonotic viral disease that causes outbreaks in many regions of the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and Africa, with a high case fatality rate of 10%–40%. Objective of the Study: To determine the knowledge, attitude, and perceptions (KAP) among a sample of physicians toward CCHF infection in Baghdad/AL-Karkh health directorate and explore their association with sociodemographic data. Subjects and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 526 physicians from four hospitals and six primary healthcare centers in two districts related to the Baghdad/AL-Karkh health directorate from March to December/2024. Through a self-administered questionnaire covering demographic information, KAP of CCHF. Results: The study included 526 participants, with 53.2% having moderate-to-good knowledge, significantly associated with older age, prolonged experience, and working in primary healthcare centers. Good attitudes were observed in 60.1% of participants, particularly among females, family medicine specialists, older age groups, and those with longer experience. Perceptions were good in 49.8% of physicians, with significant associations with age being (18–25 years) and (50 years and above), female sex, and prolonged professional experience. Conclusion: More than half of the physicians exhibited moderate-to-good knowledge and positive attitudes, while nearly half of them had good perceptions. Targeted training programs and educational interventions are essential to enhance awareness and improve preparedness for CCHF outbreaks.