Monkeypox, also known as MPOX, has become a pressing public health concern as it spreads to non-endemic regions, warranting focused studies on community awareness and preparedness, particularly among vulnerable populations affected by conflict. Syria, enduring over 14 years of civil unrest and facing significant socio-economic challenges, is one such region where the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) surrounding MPOX require urgent attention.
A recent community-based cross-sectional study conducted between October 25 and November 22, 2024, surveyed 2,035 Syrian participants primarily through online platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram, supplemented by face-to-face interactions in urban and rural locations. With conflicts dilapidated health infrastructures, the need for this research is underscored to inform public health strategies aimed at curbing potential outbreaks.
The study revealed substantial insights: 80.3% of respondents were aware of the causative factors of monkeypox, 81.2% recognized its transmission routes, and 89% understood preventive measures. Nevertheless, severe knowledge deficiencies were apparent; only 13.4% were aware of the vaccination against MPOX and 42.7% correctly identified diagnostic tests. Alarmingly, 58.9% of participants demonstrated overall poor knowledge, indicating significant gaps.
Attitudinal challenges were equally concerning, with 65.8% of the surveyed population expressing negative views toward monkeypox, highlighting the necessity for targeted educational campaigns. Urban residents slightly fared more positively, but the broader sentiment was marred by misconceptions and fears, particularly relating to the potential for MPOX to escalate similarly to COVID-19.
On the practical front, 73.6% engaged in good practices aligned with knowledge of effective preventive measures, yet the percentage of misconceptions reported calls for immediate action. This was observed particularly during pivotal times like Eid-al-Adha, where cultural practices may increase the risk of transmission. The analysis found gender, education, and income as predictors for enhanced knowledge; males, those with higher education, and individuals from affluent backgrounds demonstrated superior awareness.
The findings highlight the conflict's impact on health literacy and the erosion of trust within healthcare messaging, as many respondents consistently linked their fears of monkeypox to previous epidemics, such as COVID-19 and its disproportionate effects within the war-torn nation. Participants expressed the urgent need for greater public awareness, reinforcing the call for health literacy initiatives to improve the community's resilience against infectious disease threats.
To combat the challenges identified, expert recommendations suggest forming partnerships with international health agencies for educational outreach, developing community-centric strategies especially targeting those with lower socio-economic status, and leveraging social media to share accurate health information. The study encapsulates the complex interplay between conflict, public health, and societal attitudes toward infectious diseases, spotlighting the urgent need to restore and bolster health infrastructure as Syria navigates these unprecedented challenges.