Assessing Attitudes and Knowledge of Mpox Vaccine Among Unvaccinated Men Who Have Sex With Men.

BACKGROUND: The 2022 mpox outbreak disproportionately affected gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). Mpox cases continue to be reported nationally. Vaccination is a tool to prevent the spread of and serious disease from mpox. To understand mpox vaccine uptake and hesitancy, a virtual focus group with unvaccinated GBMSM was conducted. METHODS: In November 2022, a 60-minute, virtual focus group was conducted within an artificial intelligence (AI) platform that engages participants in chat-based conversation. The AI system uses machine learning and natural language processing to analyze and provide results immediately to the moderator. Descriptive frequencies, cross-tabulations and qualitative themes were analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-one GBMSM ages 18-55 participated, of whom 12 had attempted to get the mpox vaccine. The top barriers in accessing the vaccine included challenges in scheduling appointments (4/12), available vaccine locations (3/12), and transportation (2/12). Nine participants reported not wanting the vaccine and 22 were undecided; Of these, 15 (4/9 and 11/22, respectively) said they did not think they needed the vaccine due to low perceived risk or monogamy.. Among the undecided, after receiving health messaging about mpox, 12/22 said the messaging made them reconsider getting the vaccine. CONCLUSION: During an outbreak, many unvaccinated GBMSM who may be at increased risk for mpox either wanted the vaccine or, with appropriate health messaging, may be open to getting the vaccine. Messaging about mpox vaccine efficacy, potential side effects, and how to access the vaccine may improve vaccine uptake especially as cases continue to occur.

Accuracy of HIV Risk Perceptions Among Episodic Substance-Using Men Who Have Sex with Men.

Using the HIV Incident Risk Index for men who have sex with men-an objective and validated measure of risk for HIV acquisition, and self-perceptions of belief and worry about acquiring HIV, we identified individuals who underestimated substantial risk for HIV. Data from a racially/ethnically diverse cohort of 324 HIV-negative episodic substance-using men who have sex with men (SUMSM) enrolled in a behavioral risk reduction intervention (2010-2012) were analyzed. Two hundred and fourteen (66%) SUMSM at substantial risk for HIV were identified, of whom 147 (69%, or 45% of the total sample) underestimated their risk. In multivariable regression analyses, compared to others in the cohort, SUMSM who underestimated their substantial risk were more likely to report: a recent sexually transmitted infection diagnosis, experiencing greater social isolation, and exchanging sex for drugs, money, or other goods. An objective risk screener can be valuable to providers in identifying and discussing with SUMSM factors associated with substantial HIV risk, particularly those who may not recognize their risk.

Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men Who Also Report Having Sex With Transgender Partners: Analysis of HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) 061 Study.

HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN 061) study data of Black MSM were analyzed to determine characteristics associated with having transgender sexual partners (TGP) and the association of having TGP with sexual risk. Of 1,449 cisgender MSM, 343(24%) reported also having TGP. MSM with TGP were more likely to be older, have a sexual orientation other than homosexual, have a history of incarceration, or have insufficient funds for necessities, but less likely to be HIV positive or report sex with men to health care providers. MSM with TGP were 3.67 times more likely to recently have 5+ new partners and 2.02 times more likely to report 6+ condomless sexual acts. Since MSM with TGP reported not disclosing sex with men to health care providers, these men may need tailored HIV prevention and care. Future studies should examine differing sexual risks MSM take with sexual partners with different gender identities.