Perceptions of aspects of mpox.

BackgroundIn May 2022, a global surge in mpox cases, typically endemic to Western and Central Africa, particularly affected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). This study examines gbMSM communities’ experiences and perceptions around Ireland’s public health response to the outbreak.MethodsA cross-sectional mixed-methods online survey was conducted. Qualitative data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis informed by critical realism.FindingsA total of 163 gay and bisexual men took part in the survey. Participants accessed information from diverse sources, reporting varying levels of trustworthiness. Overall, participants were well-informed. Four themes were developed from the qualitative data: (1) Perceptions of the mpox response: divergence in urgency, priority, and care; (2) The mpox outbreak as a sign of otherness for gbMSM; (3) The potential for othering through mpox prevention practices; and (4) mpox, memory and fear.DiscussionWhile community-led initiatives were effective, significant challenges included stigmatisation, discrimination, and mistrust towards public health institutions, influenced by institutionalised homophobia. The study underscores the need for inclusive, culturally sensitive, and transparent public health strategies.ConclusionThe mpox outbreak highlights the importance of robust community collaboration in public health interventions. Future strategies must ensure equitable access to information, vaccination, and care, and address broader structural inequalities to foster trust and engagement within affected communities.

背景
2022年5月，猴痘（mpox）病例在全球范围内激增——该病毒通常仅在西非与中非地区流行，此次疫情对男同性恋、双性恋及其他男男性行为者（gbMSM）群体造成了尤为严重的影响。本研究旨在探究爱尔兰针对此次猴痘疫情的公共卫生应对措施在gbMSM群体中的认知与体验。

方法
本研究开展了一项横断面混合方法在线调查。质性数据采用基于批判实在论的反思性主题分析法进行分析。

结果
共计163名男同性恋与双性恋男性参与了本次调查。参与者通过多元渠道获取信息，并对各信息源的可信度评价不一；总体而言，参与者的信息储备较为充分。基于质性数据共提炼出4个主题：（1）猴痘应对认知：紧迫性、优先级与照护维度的分歧；（2）猴痘疫情成为gbMSM群体被他者化的表征；（3）猴痘防控实践可能引发他者化风险；（4）猴痘、记忆与恐惧。

讨论
尽管社区主导的防控举措成效显著，但研究仍发现诸多显著挑战：受制度化恐同观念影响，公众对公共卫生机构存在污名化、歧视与信任缺失问题。本研究强调，亟需制定兼具包容性、文化敏感性与透明度的公共卫生策略。

结论
此次猴痘疫情凸显了公共卫生干预中强化社区协作的重要性。未来的公共卫生策略需确保信息、疫苗接种与医疗照护的公平可及性，并解决更深层次的结构性不平等问题，以在受影响群体中建立信任、促进参与。