Social media as a public health tool during the UK mpox outbreak: a qualitative study of stakeholders' experiences.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

This rapid response research explored the experiences of key stakeholder groups during the 2022-2023 mpox outbreak in the UK, and in particular, the use of social media as a tool of health promotion. The project sought to identify key lessons learnt for future epidemic and pandemic preparedness.

Methods

The qualitative study employed online focus groups and interviews with key stakeholder communities, including activists, clinicians, policy actors and individuals with lived experience of mpox. N=29 stakeholders participated. Data were subject to framework analysis, with findings discussed and conclusions reached through a face-to-face analysis workshop.

Results

Participants emphasised the significant role of social media, particularly Twitter (now called X)

SUBMITTER: Garcia-Iglesias J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11812727 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature