Experiences of mpox illness and case management among cis and trans gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in England: a qualitative study

Witzel, T Charles; Ghobrial, Andrew; Palich, Romain; Charles, Hannah; Rodger, Alison J.; Sabin, Caroline; Sparrowhawk, Alex; Pool, Erica R.M.; Prochazka, Mateo; Vivancos, Roberto; Sinka, Katy; Folkard, Kate; Burns, Fiona M.; Saunders, John

doi:10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102522

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 25 publications

(23 reference statements)

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“…For instance, Smith and colleagues (2024) reported that their sample of men from Australia experienced judgement and mpox-related stigma from healthcare providers [ 20 ]. Similarly, Witzel and colleagues (2024) reported that among their sample of men based in England, they discussed the stigmatization of mpox was reinforced through media and national health agencies [ 22 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The experiences of GBSMM residing in the US are particularly important given the unique sociopolitical context of mpox in which stigma, homophobia, and health care are differently situated compared to the geographies most mpox studies have taken place. While various studies have suggested the pervasive stigmatization of mpox speak to larger systemic paradigms needing to be explored [ 5 , 6 , 20 , 22 , 23 ], little is still known about the ways in which systemic manifestations of discrimination have shaped the embodied health experiences of GBSMM and its impact on utilizing mpox related services.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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“It’s another gay disease”: an intersectional qualitative approach contextualizing the lived experiences of young gay, bisexual, and other sexual minoritized men in the United States during the mpox outbreak

Takenaka,

Kirklewski,

Griffith

et al. 2024

BMC Public Health

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Background The U.S. mpox outbreak in 2022 introduced new and exacerbated existing challenges that disproportionately stigmatize gay, bisexual, and other sexual minoritized men (GBSMM). This study contextualizes the perceptions, susceptibility, and lived experiences of the mpox outbreak among GBSMM in the U.S. using an intersectional framework. Methods Between September 2022 to February 2023, we conducted 33 semi-structured qualitative interviews with purposively sampled GBSMM in the Northeast and the South region of the United States on various aspects related to their experience during the mpox outbreak. Results We identified four themes: (1) understanding and conceptualizations of mpox, (2) mpox vaccine availability and accessibility, (3) mpox vaccine hesitancy and mistrust, and (4) call to action and recommendations. GBSMM collectively discussed the elevated mpox stigmatization and homophobic discourse from mainstream social media and news outlets. GBSMM also discussed the lack of availability of mpox vaccines, unclear procedures to receive the vaccine, and continued mistrust in government, non-government, and other institutions of health that were complicit in anti-LGBTQ + narratives related to mpox. However, they expressed that these challenges may be addressed through more LGTBQ + representation and leveraging ways to empower these communities. Conclusion GBSMM have mpox experiences that are distinct and multifaceted. Effectively addressing mpox and mitigating public health emergencies for GBSMM requires prioritizing destigmatizing communication channels and vaccine distribution strategies by centering their stories and lived experiences to advance health equity.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%