Psychosocial impact and stigma on men who have sex with men due to monkeypox DOI Creative Commons
Rubén Linares‐Navarro, Iván Sanz-Muñoz,

Víctor Onecha-Vallejo

et al.

Frontiers in Public Health, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 13

Published: March 19, 2025

The recent Monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak has disproportionately affected men who have sex with (MSM), amplifying stigma and discrimination. While prior research examined media portrayals public perceptions, little is known about MSM's direct experiences. To address this gap, we assess discrimination, stigma, psychosocial impact across social healthcare settings. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a structured, pilot-tested survey to discrimination against MSM in media, family, socio-occupational, environments. Among 115 surveyed, 81.7% observed discriminatory comments while noted workplaces (41.7%), by family/friends (45.2%), cohabitants (15.7%), (34.8%). Stigma significantly impacted healthcare-seeking behavior, 33% avoiding medical care due fear of Psychologically, 50.4% reported low mood/anxiety, 72.7% those frequently fearing Mpox also experienced these symptoms. led 71.3% alter sexual primarily reducing encounters (60%). Fear strongly associated behavioral changes (p < 0.001). exacerbated toward MSM, highlighting an urgent need for intervention. Authorities, community leaders must disseminate accurate information implement psychological support programs mitigate its detrimental effects on MSM.

Language: Английский

Psychosocial impact and stigma on men who have sex with men due to monkeypox DOI Creative Commons
Rubén Linares‐Navarro, Iván Sanz-Muñoz,

Víctor Onecha-Vallejo

et al.

Frontiers in Public Health, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 13

Published: March 19, 2025

The recent Monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak has disproportionately affected men who have sex with (MSM), amplifying stigma and discrimination. While prior research examined media portrayals public perceptions, little is known about MSM's direct experiences. To address this gap, we assess discrimination, stigma, psychosocial impact across social healthcare settings. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a structured, pilot-tested survey to discrimination against MSM in media, family, socio-occupational, environments. Among 115 surveyed, 81.7% observed discriminatory comments while noted workplaces (41.7%), by family/friends (45.2%), cohabitants (15.7%), (34.8%). Stigma significantly impacted healthcare-seeking behavior, 33% avoiding medical care due fear of Psychologically, 50.4% reported low mood/anxiety, 72.7% those frequently fearing Mpox also experienced these symptoms. led 71.3% alter sexual primarily reducing encounters (60%). Fear strongly associated behavioral changes (p < 0.001). exacerbated toward MSM, highlighting an urgent need for intervention. Authorities, community leaders must disseminate accurate information implement psychological support programs mitigate its detrimental effects on MSM.

Language: Английский

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