Decoding Vaccine Hesitancy in Mpox Across Multiple Middle Eastern Countries

What is it about?

The global outbreak of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) has drawn significant attention due to its unexpected spread beyond endemic regions, including countries in the Middle East. However, public knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward the disease in this region remain underexplored. This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, levels of worry, conspiracy beliefs, and vaccine acceptance regarding mpox among adults in the Middle East. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted using purposive and snowball sampling methods. A total of 318 participants aged 18 years and above were recruited from outpatient departments and through social media platforms. The findings indicate a significant knowledge gap and the presence of misinformation, particularly among younger adults.

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Photo by Ed Us on Unsplash

Photo by Ed Us on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The findings suggest that the general population is not yet fully prepared for vaccination programs against mpox. Knowledge gaps and lower vaccine acceptance among certain demographic groups, particularly younger individuals and those with lower education levels, underscore the need for targeted public awareness campaigns. Graduates and students exhibited higher vaccine acceptance, highlighting the role of education in promoting preventive behavior. Policymakers and public health authorities should prioritize educational initiatives to raise awareness about mpox risks and the benefits of vaccination.

Perspectives