Linares-Navarro Rubén, Sanz-Muñoz Iván, Onecha-Vallejo Víctor, Fernández-Espinilla Virginia, Eiros Jose M, Castrodeza-Sanz Javier, Prada-García Camino
Dermatology Service, Centro Sanitario Sandoval-Hospital Clinico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain.
National Influenza Centre, Edificio Rondilla, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.
Front Public Health. 2025 Mar 19;13:1479680. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1479680. eCollection 2025.
The recent Monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak has disproportionately affected men who have sex with men (MSM), amplifying stigma and discrimination. While prior research examined media portrayals and public perceptions, little is known about MSM's direct experiences. To address this gap, we assess discrimination, stigma, and psychosocial impact across social and healthcare settings.
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a structured, pilot-tested survey to assess discrimination against MSM in media, family, socio-occupational, and healthcare environments.
Among 115 MSM surveyed, 81.7% observed discriminatory comments in media, while discrimination was noted in workplaces (41.7%), by family/friends (45.2%), cohabitants (15.7%), and healthcare (34.8%). Stigma significantly impacted healthcare-seeking behavior, with 33% avoiding medical care due to fear of discrimination. Psychologically, 50.4% reported low mood/anxiety, and 72.7% of those frequently fearing Mpox also experienced these symptoms. The outbreak led 71.3% to alter sexual behavior, primarily reducing encounters (60%). Fear of Mpox was strongly associated with behavioral changes ( < 0.001).
The Mpox outbreak has exacerbated stigma toward MSM, highlighting an urgent need for intervention. Authorities, media, and community leaders must disseminate accurate information and implement psychological support programs to mitigate stigma and its detrimental effects on MSM.
近期的猴痘疫情对男男性行为者（MSM）的影响尤为严重，加剧了污名化和歧视现象。虽然先前的研究考察了媒体报道和公众认知，但对于男男性行为者的直接经历却知之甚少。为填补这一空白，我们评估了社会和医疗环境中的歧视、污名化以及心理社会影响。
采用一项经过预试验的结构化调查进行横断面观察性研究，以评估在媒体、家庭、社会职业和医疗环境中对男男性行为者的歧视情况。
在接受调查的115名男男性行为者中，81.7%的人在媒体中观察到歧视性言论，而在工作场所（41.7%）、家人/朋友（45.2%）、同居者（15.7%）和医疗环境（34.8%）中也发现了歧视现象。污名化对寻求医疗行为产生了显著影响，33%的人因担心受到歧视而避免就医。在心理方面，50.4%的人报告情绪低落/焦虑，在经常担心感染猴痘的人群中，72.7%的人也有这些症状。疫情导致71.3%的人改变了性行为，主要是减少了性接触（60%）。对猴痘的恐惧与行为改变密切相关（<0.001）。
猴痘疫情加剧了对男男性行为者的污名化，凸显了迫切需要进行干预。当局、媒体和社区领袖必须传播准确信息并实施心理支持项目，以减轻污名化及其对男男性行为者的有害影响。
