Monkeypox self-diagnosis abilities, determinants of vaccination and self-isolation intention after diagnosis among MSM, the Netherlands, July 2022

Abstract

Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease and leads to a smallpox-like disease in humans. The current epidemic in European countries requires informed responses. We investigated the ability to self-diagnose a potential infection, and determinants of vaccination and self-isolation intention after diagnosis among 394 MSM in the Netherlands. We found that about half were able to self-diagnose monkeypox, that 70% had a high intention to get vaccinated and 44% to self-isolate after monkeypox diagnosis. Determinants went beyond mere risk behaviour criteria.

Intentions to get vaccinated against Monkeypox in Healthcare workers in France and Belgium correlates with attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination

“…Acceptance of the Monkeypox vaccination in HCWs is limited in the case of a specific recommendation for professional exposure, but is not very far from the acceptance rate observed in men having sex with men (MSM) in the Netherlands if the vaccine become recommended in the general population [7]. Different hypotheses can be made.…”

“…Complacency for Monkeypox is probably a great barrier for vaccine acceptance. In MSM, in the Netherlands, perceived risk of being infected and risky sexual behaviors did not predict attitudes toward vaccination, while having concern about being infected was associated with intention to get vaccinated [7]. Then, in the context of the epidemics, the large use of personal protective equipment may also give to HCWs a sense of security.…”

Public understanding, awareness, and response to monkeypox virus outbreak: A cross-sectional survey of the most affected communities in the United Kingdom during the 2022 public health emergency

“…The survey identified differences in intention among respondents based on social determinants such as education and migration status. (14) Research on previous MPXV outbreaks has shown that working with affected communities and leveraging digital media can support community uptake. (15-17) Although evidence on MPXV is only starting to emerge, structural barriers will remain a key issue in all outbreak responses.…”

Re: ‘clinical characteristics of ambulatory and hospitalised patients with monkeypox virus infection’ by Mailhe et al.

“…We analyzed 263 subjects: 260 (98.9%) were men; median age was 38 years-old (interquartile range, (IQR) [30-50]) and 115/263 (43.7%) were born before 1980 ( Table 1 ). Two-hundred fifty-five participants (255/260, 98.1%) identified as MSM, and median number of sexual partners within the 30 days prior to vaccination was of 3 ([ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]). Two-hundred and sixteen (216/263, 82.1%) subjects had at least a Bachelor’s degree.…”

“…Indeed, Mailhe and colleagues reported a cohort study of 264 patients with proven Monkeypox infections in France in which 262 patients (262/264, 99%) were men, 245 (245/259, 95%) were MSM and seventy-three (73/256, 29%) were PLVIH [ 1 ]. Our population, with 39.1% HIV PrEP user, and 82.1% with higher education, corresponds to a population with high intention to get vaccinated [ 3 ]. We identify a “high confidence, low literacy” vaccinee profile, confirming the importance of confidence in vaccine uptake [ 4 ].…”