Keywords
Knowledge
Attitude
Family Physician
Autonomy; COVID-19; vaccination; vaccine acceptance; vaccine hesitancy
Abstract
Introduction. The increase in cases following the global mpox outbreak that began in May 2022 has highlighted the importance of early diagnosis, rapid response, and preventive measures in controlling the spread of the disease. The aim of our study was to determine the knowledge level, attitudes, and behaviors regarding mpox and the mpox vaccine among family physicians working at Family Health Centers in Ankara province.
Materials and Methods. This study is cross-sectional. The research was conducted between April 15, 2025, and July 15, 2025, using an online survey distributed via social media groups among primary care family physicians of the Ankara Provincial Health Directorate Public Health Services Department. The survey form consisted of a total of 49 questions: sociodemographic characteristics (14 questions), knowledge level regarding mpox (18 questions), attitude towards mpox (5 questions), willingness to use the mpox vaccine (5 questions), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (7 questions).
Results. A total 313 out of 1,741 family physicians participated in our study survey. The median age of family physicians was 36 (IQR: 30-47), 53.7% were female. Only 21.1% of family physicians had a good knowledge score about mpox. A statistically significant assocciation was found between a good knowledge score about mpox and having previously heard of mpox and using research articles as a source of information about mpox (p = 0.004, p = 0.036).
Conlusion. Family physicians working at Family Health Centers in Ankara province had a low level of knowledge and low positive attitude towards mpox, and their rate of considering the smallpox vaccination for protection against mpox was a low. Therefore, it is recommended that awareness-raising and training programs be implemented for family physicians working in primary care regarding mpox
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