Knowledge and attitudes of the community toward human mpox virus infection in, Oromia, Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

Human Monkeypox is a smallpox-like zoonotic infection transmitted through animals, contaminated objects, or human contact, posing growing public health risks. Despite its declaration as a global health emergency in 2022, community awareness remains limited in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, where ecological and socioeconomic factors heighten vulnerability. Thus, this community-based cross-sectional study, conducted from July 6 to August 30, 2025, among 842 adults in Oromia, assessed knowledge, attitudes, and associated factors regarding Human Monkeypox. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression in SPSS version 27, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results showed that 56.5% of participants had good knowledge of Human Monkeypox, significantly associated with age 30–40 years, marital status, occupation, income, and access to information through media, health workers, or peers. Furthermore, 57.5% demonstrated a positive attitude, which was strongly linked to higher knowledge levels, while lower education and farming occupation reduced positivity. Knowledge, shaped by education, occupation, age, and information access, was a strong determinant of positive attitudes. Overall, limited awareness and negative perceptions highlight the need for community-based, culturally sensitive educational strategies leveraging accessible information channels to enhance preparedness and promote preventive practices against Human Monkeypox.