Awareness of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) among healthcare professionals in Libya

BACKGROUND: Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a significant respiratory pathogen that remains underrecognized and often co-circulates with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza. Despite its clinical impact, awareness among healthcare professionals remains poorly understood, particularly in Africa. This study assessed the awareness of hMPV among healthcare professionals in Libya. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and medical technicians in Libya. A structured, self-administered questionnaire developed de novo was used to assess demographic characteristics and awareness of hMPV, including transmission, clinical manifestations, prevention, and management. Awareness levels were categorized as low (≤ 59%), moderate (60-79%), or high (≥ 80%) using modified Bloom's cut-off points. Ordinal logistic regression was used to analyze associations between awareness levels and demographic factors. RESULTS: Among the 385 healthcare professionals, 13.2% demonstrated high awareness of hMPV, 13.8% had moderate awareness, and 73.0% had low awareness according to modified Bloom's criteria. Only 35.8% correctly identified hMPV as an RNA virus, and 28.1% recognized that ELISA is not the gold standard for diagnosis. In the multivariate ordinal logistic regression, fellowship degree holders had significantly higher odds of awareness compared to those with a bachelor's degree (AOR: 8.84; 95% CI: 2.42-38.7; p = 0.002), while nurses showed significantly lower awareness than doctors (AOR: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.01-0.36; p = 0.003). A trend toward lower awareness was observed among participants from Tobruk (AOR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.01-1.39; p = 0.086) and Tripoli (AOR: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.01-1.26; p = 0.075) compared with Al Bayda. Working in a private hospital approached statistical significance (AOR: 2.47; 95% CI: 0.99-6.15; p = 0.050). CONCLUSION: The findings underscore critical awareness gaps regarding hMPV among Libyan healthcare professionals and highlight the urgent need for targeted educational interventions. Integrating emerging infectious diseases into curricula and continuing medical education is vital to improving diagnostic acumen and public health preparedness in resource-limited settings.