Behavioral intentions of self‐isolation and informing close contacts after developing mpox‐related symptoms among young men who have sex with men in China

Abstract

The 2022 multi‐country mpox outbreak raised public concern globally. Self‐isolation and informing close contacts after developing mpox‐related symptoms are critical measures in controlling the outbreak. This study investigated behavioral intentions of self‐isolation and informing close contacts after developing mpox‐related symptoms and associated factors among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) aged 18−29 years in China. The cross‐sectional study was conducted among 2493 YMSM in six provincial regions in China from September 10th to 30th, 2022. Descriptive and logistic analyses were applied, using the intentions of self‐isolation and informing close contacts after developing mpox‐related symptoms as binary outcomes. The mean age of the participants was 24.6 (SD = 2.9) years. The prevalence of having intentions of self‐isolation and informing close contacts after developing mpox‐related symptoms was 88.6% (95% CI: 87.3%−89.9%) and 84.9% (95% CI: 83.5%−86.3%). Participants who were employed (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.474, 95% CI: 1.035−2.097; AOR = 1.371, 95% CI:1.002, 1.876), had higher mpox knowledge scores (AOR = 1.474, 95% CI: 1.035−2.097; AOR = 1.371, 95% CI: 1.002−1.876), and had higher perceived threats of mpox (AOR = 1.079, 95% CI: 1.030−1.130; AOR = 1.045, 95% CI: 1.002−1.090) were more likely to intend to self‐isolate and inform close contacts. Participants who had MSM in‐person gatherings in the past 6 months were more likely to intend to self‐isolate (AOR = 1.392, 95% CI: 1.066−1.208). Participants with higher depression scores (AOR = 0.968, 95% CI: 0.948−0.989) and self‐stigma (AOR = 0.975, 95% CI: 0.954−0.997) were less likely to intend to self‐isolate and inform close contacts, respectively. Self‐isolation and informing close contacts when developing disease‐related symptoms are acceptable measures in response to mpox in China. Strengthening targeted risk communication and self‐efficacy, raising disease knowledge, providing mental support, and reducing stigma toward the affected community are warranted.