Title: Level of preparedness of primary healthcare workers in responding to monkeypox outbreak in Itogon
Abstract:
Preparedness is a critical factor in managing infectious disease outbreaks, particularly in geographically vulnerable areas. Primary Healthcare Workers (PHCW’s) play a key role in early detection, containment, and response to emerging health threats such as monkeypox (mpox). Hence, the study aimed to assess the preparedness of PHCW’s in Itogon, Benguet for a potential mpox outbreak. A descriptive correlational research design was utilized, and a total enumeration sampling method was employed, involving 117 PHCW’ss from the nine barangays of Itogon. The data collection tool was adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Framework, which assessed preparedness across ten categories. Results revealed that the majority of PHCW’s were barangay health workers and aged 55 years and above, with most having 3 to 12 years of experience. The results indicated that PHCW’s were generally prepared. Statistical analysis revealed no significant relationship between preparedness and demographic factors such as age, years of experience, and type of health worker. The results may serve as baseline evidence supporting the need for continuous preparedness efforts, guiding education and training to strengthen public health emergency response.
Keywords: preparedness, primary healthcare workers, monkeypox outbreak
