Recognising and responding to the community needs of gay and bisexual men around mpox.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In May 2022, a global surge in mpox cases, typically endemic to Western and Central Africa, particularly affected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). This study examines gbMSM communities' experiences and perceptions around Ireland's public health response to the outbreak.

Methods

A cross-sectional mixed-methods online survey was conducted. Qualitative data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis informed by critical realism.

Findings

A total of 163 gay and bisexual men took part in the survey. Participants accessed information from diverse sources, reporting varying levels of trustworthiness. Overall, participants were well-informed. Four themes were developed from the qualitative data: (1) Perceptions of the mpox response:

SUBMITTER: Gilmore J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11556694 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature