Perceptions and Intention to get vaccinated against Mpox among the LGTBIQ+ Community during the 2022 outbreak: A Cross-Sectional Study in Peru

Abstract

Introduction: Vaccination against mpox can control the outbreak by targeting high-risk groups, such as the LGTBIQ + community. The aim of the study was to evaluate the perception and intention to get vaccinated against mpox among the LGTBIQ + community in Peru.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study from November 1, 2022, to January 17, 2023, in Peru. We included individuals over 18 years old, belonging to the LGBTIQ + community, and residing in the departments of Lima and Callao. To evaluate the factors associated with the intention to be vaccinated, we used Poisson regression with robust variance to create a multivariate model.Results The study comprised 373 individuals who self-identified as members of the LGBTIQ + community. The participants had a mean age of 31 years (SD ± 9), with 85.0% of males, and 75.3% reporting to be homosexual men. The majority (88.5%) expressed their intention to receive the vaccine against mpox. Believing that the vaccine is safe was associated with a higher intention to be vaccinated (aPR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.50; p = 0.028).Conclusions Our study population showed a high level of mpox vaccination intent. Educational campaigns reinforcing the concept of vaccine safety should be conducted to increase the intention and possibly the vaccination rate in the LGTBIQ + community.