Assessment of knowledge and attitudes of the general population towards the monkeypox epidemic in Cameroon

Background Monkeypox has spread beyond endemic regions, leading the WHO to declarea public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) in July 2022 following a rapid increase in cases. This study aimed to describe people's knowledge of and attitudes towards this disease. Method We conducted an analytical cross-sectional study in February 2023, including consenting adults in three regions of Cameroon using a multi-stage random- sampling method. Socio-demographic data and an assessment of knowledge and attitudes towards the disease were collected and entered directly into a pre-designed collection sheet. Factors associated with knowledge and attitudes were identified using a logistic regression model including factors significantly associated with bivariate analysis. Results We included 2,807 individuals, with a female predominance (60%) andthe majority of participants aged 30–40 years. More than 80% of participants were unaware of the details of the disease, andfewer than 20% knew its routes of transmission and symptoms. Secondary or higher education significantly increased knowledge of monkeypox, with ORs of 2.92 and 6.17 respectively, while access to information, especially via radio and meetings, was a key factor in improving knowledge. Conclusion Knowledge and attitudes towards monkeypox are limited in the general population. Education and access to information via channels such as radio and social networks arecrucial for improving knowledge and preventing the spread of the disease.