Demographic characteristics and knowledge level of monkeypox among student nurses in a Private University

Abstract

This study delves into the demographic characteristics and knowledge levels of monkeypox among student nurses at a private university, aiming to pinpoint gaps and guide educational interventions for enhanced disease prevention and management. Employing a descriptive-correlational design, 290 participants were selected via stratified sampling from a pool of 1,060 student nurses. Data collection involved a researcher-made questionnaire, ensuring ethical standards and voluntary participation, and statistical analyses encompassed descriptive statistics and inferential methods like Cramer’s V and Gamma Value to probe variable relationships. The findings unveiled a predominantly female demographic (69.0%) with a notable majority hailing from urban areas (54.8%) and falling within the 20,001 to 50,000 income bracket (37.9%). Knowledge analysis revealed remarkable accuracy (>90%) on pivotal aspects of monkeypox, with knowledge distribution across scores exhibiting relative evenness. The results underscored the nuanced interplay between demographic characteristics and knowledge acquisition, stressing the necessity for tailored health education strategies. Sex distribution mirrored existing research on cognitive and behavioral variances, while income exhibited multifaceted socioeconomic influences on knowledge levels. Minimal impact was observed concerning residence, emphasizing the intricacy of regional knowledge acquisition, and year levels reflected cognitive developmental phases, indicative of educational progression. Contrary to expectations, religious affiliation demonstrated little sway over knowledge levels, echoing broader findings on religion's relationship with cognition. These insights underscore the importance of considering demographic characteristics in designing effective health education programs, thereby enhancing disease management efforts among student nurses.