Community needs of gbMSM in Ireland in Response to Mpox Public Health Emergency of International Concern

Introduction: In May 2022 there was a growing number of globally reported cases of mpox, most reported in communities of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM). In July 2022, the WHO designated the outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC; Nuzzo et al., 2022). The first mpox case was reported in Ireland on the 27th of May 2022 and confirmed reported cases to the end of 2022 stood at 227. Throughout the response to the PHEIC, community organisations were responsible for leading community-focussed communication and support. Methods: ● A cross sectional, online, mixed methods survey was deployed and completed by 163 gay and bisexual men in Ireland. ● Descriptive statistical analysis for quantitative data. ● Reflexive Thematic Analysis informed by Critical realism utilised for qualitative open ended answers (Braun et al 2021) Results: Quantitative responses focussed on perceptions of mpox, sources of information on mpox and perceived trustworthiness of information sources. Qualitative responses reflected four broad themes 1. Perceptions of the mpox response: divergence in urgency, priority & care 2. The mpox outbreak as a sign of otherness for gbMSM. 3. The potential for othering through mpox prevention practices. 4. Fear of mpox and the influence of previous culturally significant pandemics. Discussion: While there was dissatisfaction with the response from statutory public health agencies reflected by participants, overall participants felt well informed and supported within the community and by community organisations. This would suggest that the strategy to engage with the community through community organisations was a successful one. 11 recommendations were co-developed with the expert advisory group, including the formation of a national LGBTQ+ health strategy, further investment in sexual health infrastructure, equity and inclusion audits of public health strategies amongst others.