Monkeypox-Related Stigma and Vaccine Challenges as a Barrier to HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis among Black Sexual Minority Men

Rodman E. Turpin (), Mandell Cj, Aaron D. Camp, Rochelle R. Davidson Mhonde, Typhanye V. Dyer, Kenneth H. Mayer, Hongjie Liu, Thomas Coates and Bradley O. Boekeloo
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Rodman E. Turpin: Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
Mandell Cj: Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
Aaron D. Camp: Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
Rochelle R. Davidson Mhonde: Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
Typhanye V. Dyer: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
Kenneth H. Mayer: The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA 02215, USA
Hongjie Liu: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
Thomas Coates: David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
Bradley O. Boekeloo: Department of Behavioral and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 14, 1-11

Abstract: Background: The U.S. monkeypox (mpox) outbreak of 2022 was a unique emergent public health crisis disproportionately affecting Black sexual minority men (BSMM). Similar to other stigmas, mpox-related stigma may have adverse effects on BSMM, including deterring HIV prevention such as PrEP. Methods: Our study investigated the experiences and perceptions of BSMM related to mpox, including mpox-associated stigma, and PrEP engagement among BSMM. We conducted qualitative interviews of 24 BSMM attending HIV prevention-related events in the greater D.C. Metropolitan area. In-depth interviews were conducted via phone, and responses to questions specific to the mpox outbreak were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: We identified three key themes from the analysis: Mpox-related stigma, Mpox vaccine availability concerns, and Mpox vaccine hesitancy. Participants also described relationships between each of these three themes and PrEP use. Mpox stigma was particularly relevant as it is related to sexual stigma and is a deterrent to PrEP use. A sense of health system neglect of BSMM, especially related to low mpox vaccine availability, was also described. Conclusions: We identified mpox stigma and challenges related to mpox vaccination as key themes among BSMM, with implications for PrEP use. Future research exploring medical mistrust among BSMM, particularly related to HIV prevention, is recommended.

Keywords: HIV; PrEP; mpox; race; sexuality; intersectionality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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