Klee, Andrew Impact of MPOX on Behavior Changes and Vaccine Uptake Among MSM. 2023. Radford University, Doctoral Capstone Project. Radford University Scholars' Repository.
 |
PDF
Download (3MB) |
Abstract
The emergence of the monkeypox virus into a global community still reeling from the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic represented the latest challenge to public health response. The rapid spread of the disease into non-endemic countries beginning in the spring of 2022 necessitated a swift understanding of how to diagnose, treat, and prevent this novel infection most effectively. Ultimately, changes in sexual behavior and the widespread implementation of vaccination were attributed as the primary reasons for the worldwide decline in cases. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of MPOX disease, transmission methods, and recommended prevention strategies (including sexual behavior changes and vaccination) in patients who identify as men who have sex with men (MSM) and seek care from the HIV clinics operated by Arnot Health in Chemung County, NY. A secondary goal was to assess any changes in MSM behavior due to the 2022 MPOX outbreak. An invitation containing a QR code linked to an online survey was mailed to 150 HIV clinic patients in September 2023. Although only 15 surveys were completed, several intriguing trends were identified. The respondents were predominantly White, male, and homosexual individuals spanning three distinct generations of age. A considerable variation in the extent of sexual behavior practices was reported, with respondents scoring an average of 0.69 (out of a possible 3.0), indicating an overall lack of knowledge of MPOX transmission and the importance of preventative measures. In addition, an average score of 0.85 (out of a possible 2.0) suggested that respondents had not changed their sexual behavior practices in direct response to the MPOX epidemic that began in 2022. Interestingly, the degree of MPOX vaccine uptake among respondents (66.7%) was higher than expected in a rural setting, although lower than what has been reported in urban jurisdictions. The results of this study demonstrate a need to focus preventative health interventions on MSM and other LGBTQ individuals living in rural communities. Public health agencies must collaborate with primary care providers to engage these vulnerable groups and provide the required education and resources. Specifically, the risk of MPOX infection needs to be incorporated into a more extensive discussion on sexual health and the critical importance of behavior modification and vaccination to minimize the health risks.
| Item Type: | Doctoral Capstone Project |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | R Medicine > R Medicine (General) |
| Divisions: | Radford University > Waldron College of Health and Human Services > Health Sciences Program |
| Date Deposited: | 06 Feb 2024 01:05 |
| Last Modified: | 06 Feb 2024 01:05 |
| URI: | http://wagner.radford.edu/id/eprint/1083 |
Administrative Actions
 |
View Item |
