Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Mpox: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews

Background: The resurgence of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) since the 2022 global outbreak has exposed weaknesses in surveillance, diagnosis, and public risk communication systems. Despite increased clinical understanding, limitations in knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among both healthcare workers (HCWs) and the general population continue to challenge prevention and control measures. Numerous systematic reviews have been published on KAP toward Mpox, yet their findings remain fragmented. This review aimed to consolidate the existing evidence from published systematic reviews to provide a unified understanding of global KAP levels related to Mpox. Methods: We followed the PRISMA guidelines for this systematic review of systematic reviews. The article search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for systematic reviews published between January 2010 and October 2025. Data was extracted on study design, population, and reported quantitative outcomes. Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria: three focused on HCWs, while two focused on the general population. Among HCWs, knowledge ranged from 26.0% to 46.7%, and attitudes from 28.2% to 62.2%. In the general population, knowledge ranged from 33.0% to 46.6%, attitudes from 40.0% to 71.9%, and perceptions averaged around 40.0%. Across both groups, Mpox knowledge was limited, attitudes were moderately positive, and preventive behaviors remained consistently low, revealing a persistent gap between awareness and practice. Conclusions: This review highlights persistent gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices among HCWs and the general population. Although global attention increased substantially following the 2022 outbreak, important weaknesses remain in translating knowledge into consistent preventive behaviors. Addressing these gaps requires structured and context-specific interventions. Integrating Mpox-focused modules into mandatory Continuing Medical Education credits for HCWs could ensure sustained competency in diagnosis, infection prevention, and outbreak response beyond peak epidemic periods. For the general population, strategic risk communication campaigns should leverage trusted community leaders and social media influencers in high-risk regions to counter misinformation, reduce stigma, and promote evidence-based preventive behaviors. Embedding these targeted strategies within broader pandemic preparedness and global health security frameworks will be essential to strengthening early detection, public trust, and coordinated outbreak response in future Mpox or other emerging infectious disease events.

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Publication Details

Journal
Zoonotic Diseases
Published
2026-04-07
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/zoonoticdis6020012
Primary Topic
Poxvirus research and outbreaks
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Mpox: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews

Chiara Achangwa, Ntala Laurantine Sunjo, Divine Atem Nkengasong, Young-Mi Cho
Zoonotic Diseases
Poxvirus research and outbreaks
article

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Mpox: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews

Chiara Achangwa, Ntala Laurantine Sunjo, Divine Atem Nkengasong, Young-Mi Cho
article en

Abstract

Background: The resurgence of Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) since the 2022 global outbreak has exposed weaknesses in surveillance, diagnosis, and public risk communication systems. Despite increased clinical understanding, limitations in knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among both healthcare workers (HCWs) and the general population continue to challenge prevention and control measures. Numerous systematic reviews have been published on KAP toward Mpox, yet their findings remain fragmented. This review aimed to consolidate the existing evidence from published systematic reviews to provide a unified understanding of global KAP levels related to Mpox. Methods: We followed the PRISMA guidelines for this systematic review of systematic reviews. The article search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for systematic reviews published between January 2010 and October 2025. Data was extracted on study design, population, and reported quantitative outcomes. Results: Five studies met the inclusion criteria: three focused on HCWs, while two focused on the general population. Among HCWs, knowledge ranged from 26.0% to 46.7%, and attitudes from 28.2% to 62.2%. In the general population, knowledge ranged from 33.0% to 46.6%, attitudes from 40.0% to 71.9%, and perceptions averaged around 40.0%. Across both groups, Mpox knowledge was limited, attitudes were moderately positive, and preventive behaviors remained consistently low, revealing a persistent gap between awareness and practice. Conclusions: This review highlights persistent gaps in knowledge, attitudes, and practices among HCWs and the general population. Although global attention increased substantially following the 2022 outbreak, important weaknesses remain in translating knowledge into consistent preventive behaviors. Addressing these gaps requires structured and context-specific interventions. Integrating Mpox-focused modules into mandatory Continuing Medical Education credits for HCWs could ensure sustained competency in diagnosis, infection prevention, and outbreak response beyond peak epidemic periods. For the general population, strategic risk communication campaigns should leverage trusted community leaders and social media influencers in high-risk regions to counter misinformation, reduce stigma, and promote evidence-based preventive behaviors. Embedding these targeted strategies within broader pandemic preparedness and global health security frameworks will be essential to strengthening early detection, public trust, and coordinated outbreak response in future Mpox or other emerging infectious disease events.

Zoonotic DiseasesVol. 6(2)
University of Lethbridge (CA), University of Buea (CM), Konyang University (KR), Catholic University of Korea (KR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 19%
Poxvirus research and outbreaks
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