Determining the opinions and expectations of healthcare personnel in Türkiye regarding the Mpox virus

¹Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Amasya, Türkiye

^&Corresponding author
Gülhan Gök, Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Amasya, Türkiye

Introduction    

From past to present, the world has faced many epidemics [1], and it seems impossible to completely protect the world from infectious diseases [2]. The most recent epidemic the world has experienced is the COVID-19 pandemic that emerged in China in December 2019. Millions of people lost their lives in the most recent COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has had social, economic, and political impacts. These impacts have taken the COVID-19 pandemic beyond being a health problem [3]. Measures taken to prevent the spread of the disease during the pandemic have caused mental health problems [4], economic problems, social unrest, and despair [5]. The COVID-19 pandemic and its effects are still not over. However, the experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic are of a nature that most people would not want to relive [6].

While the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted all segments of society in many ways, its impact on healthcare personnel is undoubtedly even greater [7]. While healthcare personnel's workload increased during the pandemic, they faced poor patient outcomes. Furthermore, they were unable to access adequate social support [8]. This increased workload during this period has been a significant source of stress for healthcare personnel [9]. Numerous studies have been conducted on the effects and consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic [10-13]. These studies can be said to be guiding both in understanding the reactions to the COVID-19 agent and in combating possible pandemics that may arise later. Indeed, even before we have recovered from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the World Health Organization, we are facing a new pandemic threat. According to a report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) on June 10, 2022, sporadic (irregular, intermittent, and rare) cases of monkeypox (m-pox) have begun to appear in the European Region over the past few years, primarily among visitors to West and Central African countries [14]. In fact, the virus dates back to 1958 [15]. The agent, first identified in monkeys in 1958, was later identified in other animals [16]. After the eradication of smallpox, the first human case of monkeypox was reported in 1970 [17]. The presence of the agent in humans was confirmed by WHO in 1980 [18].

Over the past few years, mpox cases have been reported in more than 100 countries. Almost all of these countries reported mpox cases for the first time. This led to the WHO declaring a "Public Health Emergency" in July 2022. Following this declaration, a decrease in the number of cases was observed in April, and the emergency declaration was terminated in May 2023. However, since September 2023, there has been an increase in case reports from many African countries [19]. The majority of mpox cases reported in the past year have also come from Africa, with mpox outbreaks reported from 17 African countries. The monthly number of cases reported from other regions is approximately 500-1000 [20]. This situation has been evaluated as a pandemic threat by the WHO due to the fact that more and more countries are reporting cases every day, the characteristics of the cases are not similar to previous cases, cases are being reported from regions where no cases have been detected before, and the possibility that the agent has moved to more regions [21].

Free global movement and rapid transportation facilitate the spread of infectious agents. In this context, infectious diseases pose a threat to all countries. Furthermore, Türkiye's location on a transit route for international movement places it in the risk group of countries. Furthermore, it is crucial for every country to take precautions to prevent infectious diseases from causing global health problems. Healthcare personnel responsible for the treatment and care of infectious diseases (physicians, nurses, and emergency healthcare personnel) are at greater risk from outbreaks than other members of society [22]. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the feelings, thoughts, and concerns of healthcare personnel in Türkiye regarding the mpox virus and to identify measures that can be taken to address it. Based on the findings, the aim was to raise managers' awareness of the mpox virus and meet the expectations of healthcare personnel.

Methods     

Study design: in the research, phenomenology type of qualitative research method was used. Phenomenology examines lived experiences and attempts to identify the underlying structure/reality underlying participants' experiences [23]. This research explores the fears, anxieties, and expectations of healthcare personnel who served during the COVID-19 pandemic regarding the mpox virus. This research aims to yield more effective results regarding the threat of a new pandemic, based on participants' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Study setting and group: the study group consists of physicians, nurses, and emergency medical technicians/technicians who have experienced the COVID-19 pandemic and are thought to be at greater risk of infectious diseases than other healthcare personnel. In this context, the purposive sampling method was used among the sampling methods. Furthermore, maximum variation sampling was employed by including healthcare personnel from different healthcare institutions, in different positions, and in different professional groups in the study group. This aimed to uncover diverse experiences [23].

Variables: in qualitative research, themes and codes are considered variables. Themes and codes influence research findings and results. The themes (variables) for this study were determined primarily in line with the research questions. The study included five themes: "preparedness status of healthcare institutions," "opinions on mpox virus," "opinions on mpox vaccine," "effects of a new pandemic," and "expectations from managers." Participants' statements were analyzed, and codes identified were grouped to create subthemes. The subthemes and the codes that influenced their creation are as follows:

Themes: preparedness status of healthcare institutions: subtheme: not prepared. Codes: inadequate education, inadequate physical conditions, inadequate material/equipment, inadequate personnel, ineffective personnel. Subtheme: prepared. Codes: adequate material/equipment, effective personnel, adequate personnel, adequate education.

Theme: opinions on mpox virus: subtheme: positive opinions. Codes: easy to bypass, slow spreading, low danger, a known virus, low risk of death, easy to diagnose. Subtheme: negative opinions. Codes: irritating/frightening, deadly, fast spreading.

Theme: opinions on mpox vaccine: subtheme: reasons for getting vaccinated. Codes: observing profit-loss balance, making vaccination mandatory, positive experiences, being in a risk group, having an available vaccine. Subtheme: reasons for not getting vaccinated. Codes: trust issues, rumors, negative experiences.

Theme: effects of a new pandemic: subtheme: effects on the health system. Codes: uncertainties, increase in the number of patients, increase in material needs, new discoveries, increase in personnel needs, change in case types, increase in material prices. Subtheme: effects on healthcare personnel. Codes: psychological effect, occupational effect, social effect. Subtheme: effects on society. Codes: anxiety/fear, economic problems, social problems, awareness.

Theme: expectations from managers: subtheme: institutional expectations. Codes: providing training on mpox, showing understanding, being fair, assignment of willing personnel. Subtheme: expectations regarding the system. Codes: providing protective equipment, financial improvement, freedom to get vaccinated, increasing the number of emergency hospitals, increasing the number of personnel, sharing responsibility with other institutions. Subtheme: expectations regarding social life. Codes: more flexible rules, deterrent penalties.

Data resource and measurement

Data collection tool: participants were asked a total of 11 questions. Six of these were descriptive (age, gender, marital status, profession, experience duration, and unit of employment), while five aimed to uncover participants' concerns, fears, and expectations regarding the mpox virus. The five open-ended questions asked of participants are listed below. Additionally, additional questions were asked to obtain more information based on participants' statements, without exceeding the scope of the study. What are your thoughts on the Mpox virus? How do you feel? What do you plan to do in the event of a new outbreak? What are your professional plans? What are your thoughts on your institutional competence? What are your thoughts on getting vaccinated against the Mpox virus? What are your expectations of your managers?

Data collection: research data were collected using a semi-structured interview technique. In semi-structured interviews, the researcher uses pre-determined questions. However, more detailed data can be obtained by asking additional questions without straying beyond the research topic [24]. Interviews were conducted by telephone with geographically distant participants and face-to-face with nearby participants due to time and cost constraints. Interviews were conducted in a quiet environment, without other people present, and were pre-planned with the participants.

The researcher(s) collecting the research data received training in qualitative research methods and phenomenological design. The researcher(s) have experience working in hospitals and possess expertise in healthcare institution management. While this positively contributes to identifying issues related to the topic, it may also lead to researcher bias. A standard interview form was used to prevent the researcher(s) from manipulating participant statements. Furthermore, ethical principles were followed during the data collection process, and manipulative attitudes and behaviors towards participants were avoided. There is no relationship between the participants and the researcher(s), and participants were informed before the data collection process that their personal information would be kept confidential. This aimed to facilitate the participants' ability to freely express their views.

Research data was collected between September 9 and October 9, 2024. Before the data collection process, interview questions were shared with individuals who met the study group criteria. Participants who agreed to participate in the study were then asked whether they continued their active duties during the pandemic. Those who responded affirmatively to this question were included in the study.

Sample size: while there is no set limit for sample size in qualitative research, care is taken to reach the number of people at which the data begins to be repeated. In this way, comprehensive data on the subject under investigation is obtained, and sufficient saturation is considered to have been reached [23]. As the interviews were completed, they were transcribed and coded simultaneously, and the number of codes and themes that emerged in each new interview was compared with the previous interviews. It was observed that the data obtained from the thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth participants repeated the previous codes and themes, and no new codes or themes emerged. The data collection process was terminated with the fifteenth participant, as it was assessed that the data had reached a richness that would cover the purpose of the research.

Data analysis: the MAXQDA analysis program was used for data analysis. The data were analyzed using content analysis. Content analysis is the examination, analysis, and evaluation of data in accordance with the research objective [25]. Transcripts of the participants' responses to the research questions were also reviewed with the contributions of a psychologist and a linguist. This aims to accurately determine the participants' feelings and thoughts and to increase the reliability of the data analysis. In addition, to demonstrate the reliability of the determined codes, some participant statements were included in the findings section. To determine which participant each statement belonged to, the participants were coded as P1, P2, P3, ..., P15. Additional strategies used to increase reliability in qualitative research were also used within the scope of the research. The additional strategies used were participant validation, maximum diversity, and data saturation. The research codes were evaluated by a field expert [23]. Three codes that could not be agreed upon were removed from the research data.

Limitations: this research data is limited to the opinions of 15 participants working in different healthcare institutions in Türkiye during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fact that the data is based solely on the opinions of field workers and does not include the views of institutional managers, patients, and other relevant individuals limits a holistic assessment. Due to the nature of qualitative research, findings cannot be statistically generalized. Social acceptability bias may have occurred because the data is based on participants' self-reports. Since the interviews were conducted within a specific time frame, the data obtained are based on the participants' opinions at that time.

Ethical consideration: before starting the research, permission was obtained from the Amasya University Social Sciences Ethics Committee with decision number 214260, dated 09.09.2024. Participation in the study was voluntary, and there was no conflict of interest between the participants and the researcher. The research process was conducted in accordance with COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research).

Results     

Participants and descriptive statistics: this study aimed to determine the opinions, concerns, and expectations of healthcare personnel in Türkiye regarding the mpox virus. In this context, the opinions of 15 healthcare personnel who had previously worked during the pandemic and were at greater risk of infectious diseases than other healthcare personnel were utilized. Descriptive information about the participants is provided in Table 1. Seven of the participating healthcare personnel were male, and eight were female. Four of the participants were physicians, four were nurses, four were emergency medical technicians, and three were paramedics. Participants' experience ranged from 3 to 29 years. Participants worked in various healthcare institutions. All of the participants were people who worked during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Content analysis results: for the purpose of the study, participants were asked various questions regarding the preparedness of their healthcare institution in the event that the MPOX virus causes a new pandemic, their feelings about the MPOX virus, their thoughts on getting vaccinated, and their expectations of healthcare institution administrators. Participants' responses to these questions were analyzed. The analyses resulted in the identification of five themes, 12 subthemes, 52 codes, and 17 subcodes. The identified themes and codes are as follows:

Theme 1: healthcare ınstitutions' preparedness for the mpox virus: theme 1 assessed healthcare institutions' preparedness in the event the mpox virus causes a new pandemic. Two subthemes, nine codes, and five subcodes were identified within this theme (Figure 1).

Some participant opinions on healthcare ınstitutions' preparedness for a new pandemic: P2: "...I think we're ready. Because we still have boxing aprons, masks, visors, those are still available." P5: "...of course, in terms of physical facilities, our hospital is not sufficient right now." P6: "I mean, the training provided, the materials and equipment, I think they are not sufficient." P13: "For example, the staff is not enough. The equipment is also inadequate. It is not fully equipped. So how much protection there will be is debatable."

Theme 2: opinions on the mpox virus: ın the study, an attempt was made to determine the thoughts of healthcare personnel about the mpox virus. Analysis of the interviews resulted in the identification of two subthemes and nine codes comprising these themes (Figure 2).

Some participant opinions on the mpox virus: P1: "I think the disease is irritating but easily overcome. So, I don’t think it will be more dangerous than COVID-19." P4: "COVID-19 was something that had not been seen before, but monkeypox is a virus that has been eradicated from the world before. The treatment is already found and we know about it with the chickenpox vaccine. So, I don’t think there will be a pandemic like the COVID-19 pandemic. ...it is not something with a very high mortality rate anyway." P10: "Since monkeypox is transmitted through contact, there is not that much panic. We are a little more experienced after the COVID-19 pandemic anyway. We also have the materials." P14: "...lethality rate, I mean I think COVID-19 is more lethal." P15: "It seems a bit more severe than monkeypox. The main reason for that is that it physically wears people out a lot. Of course, from what we have seen."

Theme 3: opinions on getting the mpox vaccine: this study aimed to determine healthcare personnel's opinions on new vaccines and their approaches to the mpox vaccine. Participants' opinions were evaluated, and two subthemes and eight codes were identified (Figure 3).

Some participant opinions about getting the mpox vaccine: P1: "So we can get the known vaccines, but I was against the technologies I don’t know, and I am against them again." P4: "Everyone in my family got it. We didn’t have any problems. As I said, if the state deems it appropriate, I will get it." P6: "To tell you the truth, I don’t think it’s very effective. ...of course, the institutions we work for sometimes make it mandatory. ...if it’s mandatory, I’ll get it, but if it’s of my own volition, I won’t." P11: "...you know, people die, what the mpox virus leaves in people, what it does. ...maybe I will get it after seeing its effects..." P13: "If I have to, maybe I will get vaccinated, but I definitely won’t get vaccinated again. I won’t get vaccinated, because I don’t trust it."

Theme 4: possible effects of a new pandemic: participants were asked what impact the mpox factor might have if it turned into a pandemic. Responses to this question were evaluated, and three subthemes, 14 codes, and 10 subcodes were identified (Figure 4).

Opinions of some participants about the effects of a new pandemic: P1: "I think I am taken more seriously professionally." P2: "Of course, going through the same process again is scary. Because we will be entering into something unknown again." P3: "I think I feel more experienced and less afraid. ...extra things have been put on us during the pandemic, other than our duties..." P4: "It really affected people psychologically; it affected us a lot as well. Since monkeypox mostly contacts the skin, we inevitably have a fear inside us." P6: "...our workload will increase. We will also stay away from social life; we will not be able to go home so as not to infect our families, after all, we are in a risk group. ...I may quit this profession for a while. Because I think about my own health first and foremost." P9: "There is an increase in the use of materials worldwide. I don’t think that the companies that produce this are sufficient." P11: "I will retire this time." P15: "I think people are a little more conscious, to be honest. ...I would be more careful because it is visually frightening. Frankly, I think I will be more careful about this. ...I think people will be careful too."

Theme 5: expectations from managers in a new pandemic: taking into account the experiences of healthcare personnel participating in this study during the COVID-19 pandemic, they were asked about their expectations from managers regarding the mpox virus. Three subthemes, 12 codes, and 2 subcodes were identified under this theme, which was created by reviewing the interview records (Figure 5).

Opinions of some participants regarding expectations from managers in a new pandemic situation: P3: "Financially, there should be some improvement." P5: "...theoretical training should be provided. We are not ready for these situations at all. Whether it is natural disasters or pandemics. ...I mean, more importance can be given to training in these matters." P11: "Despite working very hard during those times and showing the necessary dedication, we never received any reward, both materially and spiritually. ...they never acted fairly even when assigning people." P15: "I think people need to be helped more in terms of both permission and accommodation, taking into account their families and concerns."

Discussion     

This research was conducted with physicians, nurses, and emergency medical technicians working in various healthcare institutions in Türkiye. The research identified that healthcare institutions were not adequately prepared for an outbreak caused by the mpox virus and that there were certain deficiencies. Based on participant statements, it was understood that some healthcare institutions lacked sufficient information about the mpox virus, and that there were inadequate supplies/equipment, staffing levels, and physical conditions within the healthcare institution. Conversely, some healthcare institutions were found to be adequate in terms of supplies/equipment, staffing levels, and staff competence.

Studies conducted on the COVID-19 pandemic have also highlighted deficiencies in healthcare institutions. These studies have identified a shortage of personal protective equipment [26,27] and supplies [28]. Javed et al. [29] also noted similar problems in Pakistan. They stated that existing resources in Pakistan are insufficient to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, the need for improvements and training of healthcare personnel is emphasized. The results of this study and those in the literature are similar. Accordingly, it can be argued that a new pandemic could lead to a shortage of supplies and equipment. Healthcare facility managers should be able to accurately determine their supply and equipment needs in the event of a new pandemic. Digital systems can be established for this purpose. These systems can be integrated across hospitals. Supplies and equipment can be redirected from less-used areas to more-used areas. Additionally, the physical conditions of healthcare institutions must be improved. Administrators must allocate the necessary resources for these improvements. Given the insufficient number of healthcare personnel in Türkiye, the ministry should make the necessary appointments.

The study found that healthcare personnel in the study group had more positive than negative views about the mpox virus. The study findings indicated that participants believed the mpox virus was easily treatable, spread slowly, and was considered to be a low-risk disease. Because the mpox virus is similar to smallpox, they perceived the risk of death from this virus to be low. Symptoms of the virus include skin rashes. This suggests that the majority of participants perceived the virus to be easy to diagnose, while also perceiving it as frightening.

A study conducted by Chavda et al. [30] indicated that the mpox virus is not like COVID-19 and that the two agents have different transmission routes. It was stated that the mpox virus is highly transmitted through close contact and sexual contact. WHO [14] stated that the mpox virus will not cause a pandemic like COVID-19. It was noted that the mpox agent does not spread as rapidly as COVID-19. Adepoju et al. [31] study indicated that a new clade (clade 1b) of the mpox virus emerged in 2023. It was stated that clade 1b of the mpox virus has higher contagiousness and the potential to cause more serious clinical outcomes, making the agent a cause of concern. Some participants also believed that the mpox virus is lethal and spreads rapidly. WHO [32] stated that there is no specific vaccine for the mpox virus, but that currently available smallpox vaccines increase the immunization rate. It has been reported that the mpox virus has similar symptoms to smallpox but is less severe. WHO [33] reported that 0.01%-10% of people infected with the mpox virus die. This rate was initially determined to be 15% for the COVID-19 virus. After accessing more data, the report stated that the mortality rate was between 4.3% and 11.0%, later decreasing to 3.4% [34]. The results reported in the literature appear to be in line with the views of some participants. However, some participants held contrary views. This may be due to the lack of adequate training about mpox. Having experienced numerous adverse events during the COVID-19 pandemic may have also influenced some healthcare personnel to have more negative opinions. On the other hand, the positive opinions held by some healthcare personnel participating in the study regarding the mpox virus may lead to the agent being downplayed. This could lead to the agent's further spread. Therefore, if the agent begins to appear in Türkiye, greater caution is warranted. The same recommendation can be made for other countries. Healthcare facility administrators are advised to assess the public's and healthcare personnel's awareness of the mpox virus and provide training on areas where knowledge is lacking.

The study evaluated participants' willingness to receive a vaccine developed for the mpox virus. The study revealed that some participants had various concerns about the vaccine. Other participants stated that they would easily receive the existing smallpox vaccine. Participants' opinions about vaccination were generally influenced by their experiences with the COVID-19 vaccine. In this context, it was determined that positive results from the COVID-19 vaccine, the presence of a current smallpox vaccine, the participants' status as healthcare workers and their high-risk group, and the mandatory nature of the vaccine influenced their decision to get vaccinated. On the other hand, some participants were found to have trust issues regarding the COVID-19 vaccine due to rumors about it, negative experiences with the COVID-19 vaccine, and the rapid rollout of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore, they were unwilling to receive the mpox vaccine. Some participants' decisions were determined to be influenced by the balance of benefits and risks of vaccination versus non-vaccination. When the studies in the literature regarding the mpox vaccine are examined, it is understood that there are similar situations with the opinions of the participants.

Karagoz et al. [35] stated that there is no specific vaccine for the mpox agent, but that currently available smallpox vaccines would increase immunization rates. A study by Abdelaal et al. [36] indicated that current smallpox vaccines may be 85% effective against the mpox agent. However, it was stated that these vaccines are not used due to their side effects and complications. Fontán-Vela et al. [37] conducted a study on 5,560 people and found that the mpox vaccine provided protection in at-risk groups. A study by Reina et al. [38] stated that no proven effective vaccine for the mpox agent has yet been found. A study by Rimoin et al. [39] addressed safety issues related to vaccines. The results of this study and those of other studies in the literature reveal some concerns about vaccines targeting the mpox agent. Both participant opinions and studies in the literature indicate uncertainties regarding mpox vaccines. In this context, further research on mpox vaccines is needed. Policymakers and healthcare administrators need to address the trust issues surrounding vaccines. It is also recommended that both the public and healthcare professionals be provided with proven information about vaccines.

This research has determined that the spread of the mpox agent in Türkiye will have various impacts on the healthcare system, healthcare personnel, and society. It has been determined that a new pandemic will cause uncertainty in the healthcare system, increasing the number of patients, personnel needs, material needs, and material prices. Conversely, there are also positive views that the chaotic environment caused by a new pandemic will contribute to new discoveries. A study conducted by Oğurlu et al [40] focused on the positive effects of pandemics. Sucu's [41] study indicated that pandemics impact new developments. Similarly, Fullaondo et al. [42] evaluated new developments. The results of the literature and this research appear to be in the same direction. Accordingly, it can be said that some of the negative effects caused by the pandemic have a positive impact on the development of new methods.

Based on the participants' opinions, it was understood that healthcare personnel would be most affected. Analyses revealed that a new pandemic has various effects on the psychological, social, and professional status of healthcare personnel. Some of the healthcare personnel participating in the study were found to experience fear and stress for various reasons (rashes caused by the mpox virus, public awareness, contracting the virus, increased workload, and restrictions). Some believed that a new pandemic would have negative effects, such as increased workload, performing different tasks, leaving work, changes in work schedules, and being away from family members. It was also determined that the previous experience of the COVID-19 pandemic increased some participants' awareness and self-confidence regarding the importance of using personal protective equipment. Some healthcare personnel also believed that the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to a greater public understanding of the importance of healthcare personnel.

Similar results have been obtained in studies conducted on the COVID-19 pandemic. These studies have also found that healthcare workers experience burnout [43] and post-traumatic stress disorder, are negatively affected psychologically [44], have increased workloads, and fear becoming infected and infecting others [45,46]. Furthermore, the positive effects of the pandemic have been found to increase trust and respect for healthcare personnel, prepare society for outbreaks [47], and contribute to the professional development of healthcare personnel [44]. These results reveal that outbreaks cause fear, stress, increased workload, and prolonged work hours in healthcare personnel. Therefore, healthcare administrators and politicians should implement measures to mitigate these impacts. The psychological resilience of society and healthcare personnel against outbreaks should be increased.

Some healthcare personnel participating in the study stated that curfews and restrictions would cause economic and social problems. Some participants also noted that society fears the possibility of the mpox virus turning into a pandemic due to their previous negative experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, it was determined that previous pandemics have raised public awareness, leading to increased caution in the event of a new pandemic. In this context, the research results demonstrate the existence of views suggesting that a new pandemic could cause social and economic problems in society. These findings are also supported by various studies in the literature [48]. The WHO [32] statement recommended staying home as much as possible to protect against mpox. Studies in the literature, the WHO statement, and the participants' opinions appear to be similar. In this context, it appears that a new outbreak will have various effects, both positive and negative.

Participants' experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic, which also occurred in Türkiye, were considered to determine what managers would expect in the event of a new outbreak. A significant portion of the participating healthcare personnel expected training on mpox. Therefore, healthcare facility managers can identify the information staff need about mpox and provide training. This training would also be effective in reducing staff fears. However, some participants also expressed requests for the provision of personal protective equipment, financial improvements to increase healthcare staff motivation, greater understanding of leave during the pandemic, avoiding pressure on staff regarding vaccinations, fairness in assignments, and increasing the number of healthcare personnel. Meeting these demands is crucial for effective response to the pandemic during a potential outbreak. The study by Vindrola-Padros et al. [49] also proposed similar recommendations for healthcare facility managers. Accordingly, it is recommended that healthcare administrators prioritize fairness during a potential pandemic, meet staff equipment needs, improve working conditions, boost morale, foster empathetic communication, develop alternatives regarding leave, and base actions on voluntarism in all matters.

Conclusion     

This research was conducted to determine the opinions of healthcare personnel working in different healthcare institutions in Türkiye regarding the mpox virus and their expectations from healthcare institution managers. The study determined that some health institutions had various deficiencies and were not prepared for the mpox virus to turn into an epidemic. As a result of the research, it was understood that having previously worked during a pandemic had positive effects on the professional experience of healthcare personnel. Furthermore, it was determined that healthcare personnel needed training regarding the mpox agent. It was determined that healthcare personnel from different professional groups who participated in this study had more positive views than negative views about the mpox virus. Furthermore, it was determined that the rashes caused by the mpox agent caused anxiety. It was determined that the majority of participants had a lack of trust in the mpox vaccine. It was determined that negative media coverage and public rumors influenced their decision not to get vaccinated. However, it was also found that the pandemic period was very challenging for some participants. During this period, healthcare personnel experienced increased workloads, changed job descriptions, were separated from their families, and felt they were not receiving adequate compensation.

Competing interests     

The author declares no competing interests.

Authors' contributions     

The aauthor read and approved the final version of this manuscript.

Acknowledgments     

I would like to thank the participants, academics, and the journal management for their contributions to this research.

Table and figures     

Table 1: demographic characteristics of healthcare personnel participating in this research on mpox virus in Türkiye conducted between September 9 and October 9, 2024 (n=15)

Figure 1: distribution of opinions of healthcare personnel regarding the readiness status of healthcare institutions in Türkiye for mpox, based on data collected between September 9 and October 9, 2024 (n=15)

Figure 2: distribution of opinions of healthcare personnel in Türkiye about the mpox virus based on data collected between September 9 and October 9, 2024 (n=15)

Figure 3: distribution of opinions of healthcare professionals in Türkiye about the mpox vaccine based on data collected between September 9 and October 9, 2024 (n=15)

Figure 4: distribution of healthcare personnel's opinions on the possible effects of a new pandemic in Türkiye, based on data collected between September 9 and October 9, 2024 (n=15)

Figure 5: distribution of the opinions of healthcare personnel in Türkiye regarding their expectations from managers regarding the mpox virus, based on data collected between September 9 and October 9, 2024 (n=15)

References