Mpox in endemic regions in Nigeria: awareness, knowledge, and willingness to accept the mpox vaccine.

Introduction: Nigeria ranks second in Africa for the highest number of mpox cases. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of mpox among Nigerians living in endemic regions and their willingness to accept the mpox vaccine when available. Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional study using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected from eligible individuals in Bayelsa, Delta, Lagos, and Rivers, Nigeria, between September 1 and November 30, 2023, using a standardized structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was conducted, and inferential analyses were performed using binary logistic regression (p < 0.05). Results: five hundred and twenty-four (524) persons with a mean age of 33.9 ± 10.4 years participated in this study. Fifty-eight percent (58%) were aware of mpox, and 15.5% of participants had heard about the mpox vaccine. Participants from Delta State were 70 percent less likely, while those from Lagos and Rivers States were 2.5 times and 1.04 times, respectively (OR= 2.48, p=0.012; OR= 1.04, p=0.89) more likely to receive the mpox vaccine when compared with participants from Bayelsa State. Eighty-four (84.5%) of respondents were unwilling to take the vaccine if they had to pay for it. Conclusion: although many people were aware of the mpox infection, only a few people were aware of the vaccine. Health intervention programs to improve knowledge of mpox and increase the uptake of mpox vaccines should be co-designed with community stakeholders, while mpox vaccines, when available, should be made accessible at subsidized or at no cost to Nigerians to improve uptake.