Top 5 Takeaways

1. Behavioral Changes Among MSM: Approximately half of the men surveyed reported reducing their number of sex partners, one-time sexual encounters, and use of dating apps to prevent monkeypox transmission.
2. Vaccination Variability: Vaccination rates varied by race, ethnicity, and geography, with Hispanic men showing the highest rate and Black men the lowest. Higher rates were observed in urban and suburban areas compared to other regions.
3. Public Health Implications: The study underscores the importance of public health messages and vaccine programs that are respectful, non-stigmatizing, and tailored to the MSM community, with an emphasis on equitable vaccine access.
4. Survey Methodology: The study utilized a convenience sample from the American Men’s Internet Survey (AMIS), focusing on cisgender men in the U.S. who have sex with men.
5. Racial and Geographic Disparities: The survey highlighted racial and ethnic disparities in monkeypox vaccination, with lower rates among Black men, and significant geographic differences in vaccine receipt, especially in less urban and southern areas.

Note:

This MMWR Article was created prior to the conventional renaming of Monkeypox to its more standard and appropriate name, Mpox. To avoid confusion, Monkeypox is retained when writing this article, but all future works should use Mpox.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Kevin P. Delaney, kdelaney@cdc.gov.

Suggested Citation

Delaney KP, Sanchez T, Hannah M, et al. Strategies Adopted by Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex with Men to Prevent Monkeypox virus Transmission — United States, August 2022. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2022;71:1126-1130. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7135e1.

Summary

The MMWR article discusses a survey conducted among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) during the current monkeypox outbreak. It highlights the steps taken by this community to reduce the risk of transmission, including behavioral changes like reducing sexual partners and utilizing dating apps less frequently. The survey also points out disparities in vaccine receipt, with variations based on race, ethnicity, and geographical location.

Methods

The study used a convenience sample from the American Men’s Internet Survey (AMIS) of cisgender men in the U.S. who reported having sex with men. Participants completed a follow-up survey assessing their knowledge of, experiences with monkeypox, and personal behavior changes during the outbreak, including vaccination status.

Discussion

The findings indicate that the MSM community is actively engaged in reducing the risk of monkeypox transmission through various preventive strategies. However, the study also uncovers significant disparities in vaccination rates, suggesting the need for more equitable access to vaccines, especially among Black men and in less urban and southern areas.

Conclusion

The study concludes that while vaccination is crucial, it alone will not suffice to end the monkeypox outbreak. Tailored public health messaging and harm reduction strategies, alongside vaccination efforts, are essential. The MSM community’s proactive behavior changes play a vital role in risk reduction.

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