Assessment of Awareness and Knowledge Regarding Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1) Among Healthcare Workers at Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran, in 2023-2024, A Cross-Sectional Descriptive-Analytical Study.

[BACKGROUND AND AIM] Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1), is responsible for serious diseases such as Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) and HTLV-1 associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). This research aimed to explore the level of awareness and knowledge of HTLV-1 among healthcare professionals working at Imam Khomeini hospital complex in Tehran to compare their knowledge in different aspects of this virus including basic knowledge, transmission, pathogenesis, prevention and treatment.

[METHODS] This cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted among healthcare personnel at Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran, during 2023-2024. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire designed to assess knowledge and attitudes about HTLV-1. The questionnaire underwent expert review for validity and reliability testing, including a 2-week test-retest process with Cohen's kappa coefficient calculation. It included demographic data, binary knowledge questions about HTLV-1 transmission, symptoms, complications, prevention, and treatment.

[RESULTS] A total of 220 healthcare workers and students (63.6% female, 36.4% male) from medical, paramedical, and service fields participated in the study. Participants' attitude and knowledge levels were assessed using correct response rates, revealing significantly higher attitude scores (64.81%) compared to knowledge scores (42.61%) based on the Wilcoxon test ( < 0.05). Gender-based comparisons showed no statistically significant differences in attitudes ( = 0.30) or knowledge ( = 0.95). Age-group analyses using Kruskal-Wallis tests identified significant differences in knowledge performance ( = 0.00015), with the 26-35 age group outperforming others. Job position comparisons showed no significant differences in attitude or knowledge scores ( > 0.05).

[CONCLUSION] The study highlights a notable gap in knowledge about HTLV-1 among healthcare professionals at Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, despite relatively positive attitudes. Significant differences in knowledge were observed across age groups, with the 26-35 age group demonstrating better awareness. These findings underscore the need for targeted educational programs to improve HTLV-1 knowledge, particularly among younger and less experienced staff, to enhance preventive and diagnostic capabilities.