Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding Marburg Virus Disease Among Healthcare Workers in Dilla University Teaching Hospital, Ethiopia: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Abel Desalegn Demeke, Takla Tamir, Mesfin Abebe, Migbaru Endawoke, Atirsaw Shimekaw Goshu, Samuel Jigso Dube, Endris Seid Amede, Wondimagegn Wolde Eba, Aboma Tsegaye Molatu, Alemayehu Yeshiwas, Mequanint Ayehu Akele, Alem BayableBackground
Healthcare workers are a first contact for patients with infectious diseases and may be at occupational risk during hemorrhagic fever outbreaks. The Marburg virus disease (MVD) outbreak in southern Ethiopia, ongoing during data collection in December 2025, highlighted the need to assess healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding MVD. Therefore, this study assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices and examined factors associated with practice among healthcare work.
Methods
A cross‐sectional study of 238 healthcare workers at Dilla University Teaching Hospital was conducted from December 1 to December 22, 2025. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, and percentages summarized participant characteristics and KAP responses. Binary logistic regression examined factors associated with good practice. Variables with p value ≤ 0.25 in bivariable analysis were included in the multivariable model. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
About 51.7%, 57.1%, and 55.0% of participants had good knowledge, positive attitudes, and good practice toward MVD, respectively, based on study‐specific cutoffs. Most identified direct contact with blood and body fluids as an MVD transmission route (92.0%). However, gaps were observed regarding environmental risk factors and MVD distribution and origin. Most recognized reporting suspected cases (91.2%), avoiding contact with infected individuals or their possessions (91.2%), and using personal protective equipment (87.8%). In multivariable analysis, modification of working habits from concern about acquiring MVD (AOR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.21–3.99) and good MVD knowledge (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.13–3.39) were positively associated with good practice.
Conclusion
Findings indicate gaps in MVD‐related knowledge and infection prevention among healthcare workers at Dilla University Teaching Hospital. Targeted competency‐based training, simulation, IPC resources, and facility‐level preparedness systems are warranted to strengthen readiness for MVD and other viral hemorrhagic fever events.