Title:Assessment of Knowledge and Concern of People Living with HIV
Regarding Human Mpox and Vaccination
Volume: 22
Issue: 2
Author(s): Deniz Borcak*, Yusuf Emre Özdemir, Zuhal Yesilbag, Esra Ensaroğlu, Samiha Akkaya and Kadriye Kart Yaşar
Affiliation:
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital,
Bakırköy, Istanbul, Turkey
Keywords:
COVID-19, human immunodeficiency virus, PLHIV, Mpox, Mpox vaccine, zoonotic infectious disease.
Abstract:
Introduction: Mpox virus is an orthopoxvirus that causes the zoonotic infectious disease
known as mpox. The disease can also spread from humans to humans. It can be transmitted
through contact with bodily fluids, lesions on the skin, or internal mucosal surfaces.
Method: The number of mpox cases increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Early diagnosis
and prompt management of mpox are critical in people living with HIV (PLHIV). In this study, a
cross-sectional survey was conducted among PLHIV followed at the outpatient clinic between 20
April–20 August 2023. A questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge and anxiety levels of patients
as well as their opinions about vaccination against mpox. The severity of symptoms in the
past two weeks was assessed using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale. A total of 203
PLHIV were interviewed for this survey study.
Result: The mean age was 39.37±11.93. The majority of them were male (86.7%), and 41.4%
were men who have sex with men (MSM). Only 21 of the surveyed participants (10.4%) had a
“good knowledge” score about mpox. The mean knowledge score on human Mpox was 2.05
(min:0-max:8), and 107 (52.7%) had a score of 0.
Conclusion: The future study should focus on continuous education, promoting awareness
through programs and establishing measures to successfully overcome identified variables that
contribute to mpox pandemic understanding and attitudes. Applying the lessons learned from the
COVID-19 pandemic will help the management of mpox virus.
