Examining the Level of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Nurses Toward Disease X: Insights From a Cross‐Sectional Survey

Abstract

The World Health Organization has indicated the possibility of the global health system being riddled with a public health threat which could be deadlier than COVID‐19 and EVD. This possible disease has been labeled “Disease X”. Since nurses are the health experts in closest proximity at the bedside of the patient, managing Disease X will heavily depend on the role of nurses. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Ghanaian nurses about Disease X. The study further examined the predictors of knowledge of Disease X. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted among a uniform sample size of 1,127 nurses who had worked in Ghana for at least 1 year. After validation, pilot testing and tests for internal consistency, a structured questionnaire with 4 Sections was used for data collection. The study revealed that nurses have the lowest detected levels of knowledge regarding Disease X, with only a proportion of 25.6% acknowledging its potential zoonotic character. Despite this, most nurses (37.4%) were concerned about contracting the disease, and few (16.5%) believed that current infection control measures were effective. Only 13.7% reported actively preparing for Disease X, and 39.5% reported a lack of specific training. Public sector nurses had higher knowledge levels, and less experienced nurses were more knowledgeable. The findings of the study reveal major discrepancies in the readiness of nurses in a range of aspects of preparedness for Disease X, specifically regarding knowledge and specialized training.