Abstract
Objectives: This rapid response research explored the experiences of key stakeholder groups during the 2022-23 mpox outbreak in the UK, and in particular the use of social media as a tool of health promotion. The project sought to identify key lessons learned for future epidemic and pandemic preparedness.
Methods: The qualitative study employed online focus groups and interviews with key stakeholder communities, including activists, clinicians, policy actors, and individuals with lived experience of mpox (LEM). N=29 stakeholders participated. Data were subject to framework analysis, with findings discussed and conclusions reached through a face-to-face analysis workshop.
Results: Participants emphasized the significant role of social media, particularly Twitter (now called X), in the response to the mpox outbreak. Several benefits were highlighted, including disseminating relevant information, tackling stigma, and generating/advancing advocacy and collaboration. However, participants also pointed out challenges associated with social media; in particular, its reliance on pre-existing networks and associated dynamics of exclusion, and the presence of misinformation.
Conclusion: Social media played an important role in informal and purposive health promotion during the 2022-23 mpox outbreak, while also presenting significant challenges regarding misinformation and exclusion. We recommend that preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks must consider the role of social media as key tools for not only the dissemination of health promotion messages, but also for real-time collaboration on message development. Special attention should be paid to ensuring collaboration and dissemination strategies are explicitly orientated towards promoting the inclusion of underserved groups.
Methods: The qualitative study employed online focus groups and interviews with key stakeholder communities, including activists, clinicians, policy actors, and individuals with lived experience of mpox (LEM). N=29 stakeholders participated. Data were subject to framework analysis, with findings discussed and conclusions reached through a face-to-face analysis workshop.
Results: Participants emphasized the significant role of social media, particularly Twitter (now called X), in the response to the mpox outbreak. Several benefits were highlighted, including disseminating relevant information, tackling stigma, and generating/advancing advocacy and collaboration. However, participants also pointed out challenges associated with social media; in particular, its reliance on pre-existing networks and associated dynamics of exclusion, and the presence of misinformation.
Conclusion: Social media played an important role in informal and purposive health promotion during the 2022-23 mpox outbreak, while also presenting significant challenges regarding misinformation and exclusion. We recommend that preparedness for infectious disease outbreaks must consider the role of social media as key tools for not only the dissemination of health promotion messages, but also for real-time collaboration on message development. Special attention should be paid to ensuring collaboration and dissemination strategies are explicitly orientated towards promoting the inclusion of underserved groups.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | e000407 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | BMJ Public Health |
| Volume | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Nov 2023 |
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This is the accepted author manuscript (AAM). The final published version (version of record) is available online via BMJ at https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjph-2023-000407. Please refer to any applicable terms of use of the publisher.