Michael Kunnuji, Megan Schmidt-Sane, Olufunke Adegoke, Syed Abbas, Elizabeth Shoyemi, Akanni O Lawanson, Ayodele Jegede, Hayley MacGregor
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
The current mpox outbreak has challenged previous understanding of the disease, with human-to-human transmission being a significant mode of transmission, particularly among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). A knowledge gap exists on MSM's mpox experiences in Nigeria's restrictive sociolegal context. This study explored mpox awareness, knowledge, and experiences among MSM in Lagos, Nigeria, through 28 in-depth interviews. We analysed the interview transcripts thematically. Findings showed low awareness and knowledge of mpox among MSM, who prefer seeking healthcare outside public health facilities due to stigma. Intimate contact during sexual intercourse is a likely source of infection among MSM. The Nigerian mpox response does not centre MSM, and centreing them may not be ideal due to potential stigma. MSM seek care through various means, including drugs, herbal remedies, and KP-friendly sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, but face stressful care-seeking due to limited social support and stigma. The study shows that Nigeria's mpox situation differs from the situation in mpox non-endemic contexts. The homophobic legal and social environment and heterogenous spread require unique disease framing and context-sensitive response. The study concludes that further surveillance is needed to deepen understanding around mpox care seeking among MSM in Nigeria.
期刊介绍:
Global Public Health is an essential peer-reviewed journal that energetically engages with key public health issues that have come to the fore in the global environment — mounting inequalities between rich and poor; the globalization of trade; new patterns of travel and migration; epidemics of newly-emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases; the HIV/AIDS pandemic; the increase in chronic illnesses; escalating pressure on public health infrastructures around the world; and the growing range and scale of conflict situations, terrorist threats, environmental pressures, natural and human-made disasters.