Determinants of Mpox Infection in Bayelsa State, Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Mpox formerly known as Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV). Despite several efforts taken to halt the transmission of Mpox infection at global, national and sub national level, outbreaks of Mpox continue to occur especially in Bayelsa state. The aim of this study was to assess determinants associated with Mpox infection among confirmed and suspected cases in Bayelsa state, from 2017 to 31st of May, 2025. <div> <br> </div> <div> Method: A cross sectional mixed method was used for this study. The sample size of the study was 222 and a systematic sampling method was used to select cases from the study population. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The SPSS statistical software version 25 was used to analyze the data. <div> <br> </div> <div> Result: The result shows a total of 59 (27%) confirmed cases with 35 male and 24 female while suspected cases were 163 (73%) with 92 male and 71 female. The mean age for confirmed Mpox was 29 Years while that for suspected Mpox was 19 years. The year 2022 has the highest number of confirmed Mpox with a total of 21(36%) cases while 2024 has the highest number of suspected cases with a total of 81(50%) cases in Bayelsa state. A total of 44(75%) confirmed cases were reported during the wet season while 15(25%) confirmed cases were reported during the dry season and the geographical distribution shows that Yenagoa Local government area have the highest concentration of cases. Sociodemographic factors that are significantly associated with Mpox infection are the young adult with an OR of 2.777 and old adult age group with an OR of 2.997. <div> <br> </div> <div> Conclusion: We made some recommendations which are mass vaccination campaign, sensitization of the public, strengthening the surveillance system and Risk communication. </div> </div> </div>