Knowledge, Perceptions, and Preventive Practices on Mpox in Zimbabwe: Insights from districts with suspected and confirmed cases

Abstract

Background: The global Mpox outbreak remains a major health concern. Confirmed cases and deaths were reported in Africa between 2022 and 2024, with the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, and Uganda accounting for most cases. In Zimbabwe, 45 suspected and 2 confirmed cases have been recorded to date. Although Zimbabwe has recorded only two confirmed cases, the threat remains significant due to regional transmission and frequent cross-border movement. Addressing the Mpox outbreak at its early stage is therefore critical to preventing a potential health crisis.

Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional design with mixed data collection methods in three selected districts of Harare and Midlands Provinces, chosen due to their experience with Mpox cases. Quantitative data were collected through the questionnaire administered to 451 community members, and qualitative data were collected through 12 focus group discussions with community members and 10 key informant interviews with health officials, programme officers, youth officers, and a religious leader. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS version. Content and thematic analyses were used to analyse qualitative information from the focus group discussions and key informant interviews.

Results: The study found that 70.1% of respondents had heard of Mpox, with higher awareness among those aged 40"49, married or cohabiting, rural residents, and university-educated individuals. Most of the respondents correctly identified close contact with infected persons (68.5%) and touching contaminated surfaces (53.7%) as key modes of transmission, and avoiding skin-to-skin contact (73.2 percent) as the main prevention measure. Other prevention practices mentioned included handwashing (64.5% and vaccination (63.2%). Misconceptions were common, including beliefs about transmission via blood, contaminated food or water, airborne spread, mosquito bites, and various myths (e.g., Mpox as untreatable, foreign-introduced, or affecting only people with HIV). Attitudes towards Mpox were generally negative; 47.7% reported open discussions about the disease in their communities. Vaccination hesitancy was notable (38.8 percent), driven by fear of side effects, misinformation, and mistrust in the health system. Almost half of the respondents (47.5%) had taken preventive measures, primarily hand hygiene. Most respondents recognised the importance of avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals (94.4%), handwashing (64.5%), and not sharing personal items (86.9%). Seeking prompt care after exposure or symptom onset was reported by 78.5%.

Conclusion: The study found that while a significant proportion of people had heard about Mpox, community knowledge about its transmission was limited, with misconceptions about its transmission. There was considerable vaccine hesitancy. There is need to strengthen community-based health education by leveraging radio, social media, and mobile messaging platforms to promote correct practices and dispel misinformation about Mpox.