Enhancing Healthcare Workers’ Preparedness for Mpox: A Quasi-Experimental Study in Saudi Arabia

Background Mpox has resurfaced as a significant global health issue, with possible impact on healthcare workers (HCWs). Insufficient knowledge among HCWs about Monkeypox virus (MPXV) transmission, the clinical features, and preventive measures may impede adherence to effective infection control. Objectives The aim of this study is to assess the impact of a structured online educational program on enhancing HCWs' understanding and perceptions of Mpox at King Saud University Medical City, a tertiary medical facility, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods A quasi-experimental pre–post design with independent samples was implemented. In total, 1,500 HCW responses were included, with 732 in the pre-intervention cohort and 768 in the post-intervention cohort. Participants completed a validated self-administered questionnaire both prior to and immediately following a standardized online training session on Mpox. The primary outcomes measured were variations in knowledge scores and attitudes toward vaccination. Results The average overall knowledge score exhibited a statistically significant increase from 18.57 ± 3.1 to 21.51 ± 2.84, pre and post-intervention, respectively (p < 0.001). There were notable improvements in awareness of sexual transmission (increasing from 41.7–73%) and familiarity with the Jynneos vaccine (from 50.1–87.8%). Multivariate analysis revealed that higher knowledge scores were positively correlated with favorable attitudes toward Mpox vaccination (OR = 1.229; p < 0.001). Conclusion Individuals with higher knowledge scores demonstrated more favorable attitudes toward Mpox vaccination. Thus, it is important to increase HCWs knowledge to shape positive vaccine perceptions and strengthening outbreak readiness.