Submission ID 131808
| Issue/Objective | Outbreak preparedness is inequitable when PLHIV do not receive Mpox information and prevention options through routine HIV services. This study aimed to compare Mpox awareness, knowledge, and vaccine acceptability across facility levels in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and identify factors associated with willingness to accept vaccination, aligned with CCGH Sub theme 2 (equity in action). |
|---|---|
| Methodology/Approach | We conducted a facility based cross sectional survey among 582 PLHIV in FCT, Nigeria (Mar-Aug 2025) at a tertiary hospital (n=291), secondary hospital (n=191), and primary health centre (n=100). Facility comparisons used chi square tests. Knowledge and vaccine outcomes were assessed among respondents aware of Mpox (n=98). Mpox vaccination was not available through routine services; vaccination history was self reported. Multivariable logistic regression examined correlates of willingness to accept Mpox vaccination. |
| Results | Mpox awareness was 16.8% (98/582) and differed by facility (secondary 26.7%, tertiary 12.7%, primary 10.0%; p<0.001). Catchment profiles varied (tertiary predominantly urban 91.1%; primary largely rural 70.0%), suggesting primary/rural clients may be least reached. Among those aware, 62.2% did not know the primary cause and 91.8% did not know typical symptom onset. Although vaccines were not routinely available, 12.2% reported prior vaccination; the leading reason for non receipt was lack of information (66.3%). Willingness increased if vaccination were free (59.3%) and varied by facility (p<0.001). In multivariable analysis, willingness was lower among tertiary versus secondary clients (aOR=0.04; 95% CI: 0.00-0.74) and strongly influenced by cost (aOR=20.61; 95% CI: 1.07-398.65). |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Facility level inequities in information exposure and cost sensitivity may undermine Mpox preparedness within HIV services, especially in underserved primary/rural settings. Embedding provider delivered Mpox education and offering free, voluntary vaccination through HIV clinics could close preparedness gaps and strengthen resilient, equity centered systems. Scale up should prioritize primary care and monitor awareness and demand; interpretation is limited by the single facility per level design. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Charity Sanni Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria Kazeem Ayodeji Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria Stella Ijioma Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria Charitiana Arome School of Public Health, University of Port Harcourt,Nigeria Ibidabo Alabere School of Public Health, University of Port Harcourt,Nigeria |
