Determinants of M-Pox Vaccine Acceptability among frontline healthcare providers at Virunga General Referral Hospital, May-September 2025

Background: Goma has been recognized as a key epicenter of Mpox transmission. Following World Health Organization guidance, frontline healthcare providers were prioritized for vaccination due to their elevated risk of exposure. Yet, in the Virunga health area, uptake remained low, with only 20% of frontline healthcare providers vaccinated in the first phase. This study aimed to identify determinants influencing Mpox vaccine acceptability among frontline healthcare providers. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between May and September 2025 among 126 frontline healthcare providers at Virunga General Referral Hospital, Goma. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using STATA and SPSS. Logistic regression models were applied, with statistical significance set at p  ≤ 0.05. Results: Overall vaccine acceptability was 25%. Significant predictors of vaccine uptake included male gender (OR = 3.07; p  = 0.025), 6–10 years of professional experience (OR = 4.65; p  = 0.015), confidence in vaccination (OR = 1.46; p  = 0.038), absence of fear of adverse effects (OR = 6.10; p  = 0.010), and managerial encouragement (OR = 12.56; p  = 0.016). Access to official vaccine information also significantly improved acceptance (OR = 3.71; p  = 0.016). Conclusions: Mpox vaccine acceptability among frontline healthcare providers in Goma remains low. Institutional support, confidence in vaccine safety, and targeted communication addressing misconceptions are key to improving uptake. Strategies should prioritize trust-building, managerial engagement, and evidence-based education.