Modelling of knowledge and attitudes as key determinants of Mpox prevention practices among university students in Ghana: a cross-sectional analysis
Introduction: Mpox has surfaced as a primary health problem since the global outbreak in 2022. This study sought to evaluate and also use structural equation modelling (SEM) to predict the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices concerning Mpox among students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sec...
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Elsevier
2025-10-01
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| Series: | New Microbes and New Infections |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S205229752500054X |
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| author | Napoleon Bellua Sam Nuhu Abdul-Aziz Yembedara Adams Dramani |
| author_facet | Napoleon Bellua Sam Nuhu Abdul-Aziz Yembedara Adams Dramani |
| author_sort | Napoleon Bellua Sam |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Introduction: Mpox has surfaced as a primary health problem since the global outbreak in 2022. This study sought to evaluate and also use structural equation modelling (SEM) to predict the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices concerning Mpox among students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted with 469 students at the University for Development Studies. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with SEM and cumulative percentage employed to analyze and predict both knowledge and attitudes on preventive practices among university students. Results: A significant majority (84.2 %) correctly identified Mpox as an infectious disease caused by the Mpox virus, though 55.0 % incorrectly believed it to be the same as smallpox. The overall knowledge of Mpox among university students was poor (59.1 %), with 40.9 % demonstrating either acceptable (32.4 %) or excellent (8.5 %) levels of knowledge. Despite this, 77 % of students had a favorable attitude towards the disease. Preventive practices were predominantly excellent, with 78.7 % of students exhibiting excellent practices, while only 3.8 % demonstrated poor practices. SEM revealed a positive, statistically significant association between knowledge (β = 0.23, P < 0.001), attitude (β = 0.38, P < 0.001), and preventive practices. Additionally, a strong positive effect was found between knowledge and attitudes towards Mpox (β = 0.50, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The study emphasizes that although students have limited knowledge about Mpox, their positive attitudes greatly aid in the implementation of successful preventive measures. Improving knowledge may result in even better preventive actions, highlighting the necessity of focused educational programmes to raise students' knowledge of Mpox. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-ee3bef7f60f74908bd30a3d75618911d |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2052-2975 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-10-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | New Microbes and New Infections |
| spelling | doaj-art-ee3bef7f60f74908bd30a3d75618911d2025-08-20T03:51:09ZengElsevierNew Microbes and New Infections2052-29752025-10-016710161510.1016/j.nmni.2025.101615Modelling of knowledge and attitudes as key determinants of Mpox prevention practices among university students in Ghana: a cross-sectional analysisNapoleon Bellua Sam0Nuhu Abdul-Aziz Yembedara1Adams Dramani2Department of Medical Research and Innovation, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana; Corresponding author. Department of Medical Research and Innovation, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, P.O.Box TL 1350, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana.Tamale Teaching Hospital, Tamale, Northern Region, GhanaDepartment of Medical Research and Innovation, School of Medicine, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Northern Region, GhanaIntroduction: Mpox has surfaced as a primary health problem since the global outbreak in 2022. This study sought to evaluate and also use structural equation modelling (SEM) to predict the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive practices concerning Mpox among students. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted with 469 students at the University for Development Studies. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with SEM and cumulative percentage employed to analyze and predict both knowledge and attitudes on preventive practices among university students. Results: A significant majority (84.2 %) correctly identified Mpox as an infectious disease caused by the Mpox virus, though 55.0 % incorrectly believed it to be the same as smallpox. The overall knowledge of Mpox among university students was poor (59.1 %), with 40.9 % demonstrating either acceptable (32.4 %) or excellent (8.5 %) levels of knowledge. Despite this, 77 % of students had a favorable attitude towards the disease. Preventive practices were predominantly excellent, with 78.7 % of students exhibiting excellent practices, while only 3.8 % demonstrated poor practices. SEM revealed a positive, statistically significant association between knowledge (β = 0.23, P < 0.001), attitude (β = 0.38, P < 0.001), and preventive practices. Additionally, a strong positive effect was found between knowledge and attitudes towards Mpox (β = 0.50, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The study emphasizes that although students have limited knowledge about Mpox, their positive attitudes greatly aid in the implementation of successful preventive measures. Improving knowledge may result in even better preventive actions, highlighting the necessity of focused educational programmes to raise students' knowledge of Mpox.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S205229752500054XMpoxStructural equation modellingGlobal outbreakStudentsPreventive practices |
| spellingShingle | Napoleon Bellua Sam Nuhu Abdul-Aziz Yembedara Adams Dramani Modelling of knowledge and attitudes as key determinants of Mpox prevention practices among university students in Ghana: a cross-sectional analysis New Microbes and New Infections Mpox Structural equation modelling Global outbreak Students Preventive practices |
| title | Modelling of knowledge and attitudes as key determinants of Mpox prevention practices among university students in Ghana: a cross-sectional analysis |
| title_full | Modelling of knowledge and attitudes as key determinants of Mpox prevention practices among university students in Ghana: a cross-sectional analysis |
| title_fullStr | Modelling of knowledge and attitudes as key determinants of Mpox prevention practices among university students in Ghana: a cross-sectional analysis |
| title_full_unstemmed | Modelling of knowledge and attitudes as key determinants of Mpox prevention practices among university students in Ghana: a cross-sectional analysis |
| title_short | Modelling of knowledge and attitudes as key determinants of Mpox prevention practices among university students in Ghana: a cross-sectional analysis |
| title_sort | modelling of knowledge and attitudes as key determinants of mpox prevention practices among university students in ghana a cross sectional analysis |
| topic | Mpox Structural equation modelling Global outbreak Students Preventive practices |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S205229752500054X |
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