Mpox vaccine acceptance and its predictors among people who have risky sexual practices: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Acceptance of available mpox vaccines among high-risk groups with risky sexual exposure varies by country, complicating efforts to draw conclusions and design effective intervention strategies. Seventeen studies were reviewed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) appraisal checklist from various databases. Funnel plot and I2 test assessed publication bias and heterogeneity. DerSimonian and Laird random-effects model estimated the pooled mpox vaccine acceptance. Eggers and Beggs tests evaluated the small study effect, while subgroup and sensitivity analyses identified sources of heterogeneity. Globally, the pooled mpox vaccine acceptance rate among individuals with risky sexual practices was 75.22% (95% CI: 68.60, 81.84), indicating significant heterogeneity (I2 = 99.83%, p < .001). Significant predictors of higher acceptance included multiple sexual exposures and recent Sexually Transmitted Infections or Diseases (STI/STD) diagnoses. Despite higher acceptance rates among high-risk groups, many remain hesitant, posing challenges for outbreak control. Targeted campaigns and education on the importance of the mpox vaccine are essential.