Modifications to Sexual Behaviors Associated With Mpox (Monkeypox) Virus Transmission Among Persons Presenting for mpox Vaccination, Washington, DC, August–October, 2022

Abstract

Background Over 30,000 mpox cases were reported during the 2022 mpox outbreak with many cases occurring among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (MSM). Decreases in U.S. mpox cases were likely accelerated by a combination of vaccination and modifications to sexual behaviors associated with mpox virus transmission. We assessed reports of sexual behavior change among participants receiving mpox vaccination in Washington, DC. Methods During August to October 2022, 711 adults aged ≥18 years receiving mpox vaccination at two public health clinics in Washington, DC completed a self-administered questionnaire that asked whether sexual behaviors changed since learning about mpox. We calculated the frequency and percentages of participants reporting an increase, decrease, or no change in 4 of these behaviors by demographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics with 95% confidence intervals. Results Overall, between 46% and 61% of participants reported a decrease in sexual behaviors associated with mpox virus transmission, 39% to 54% reported no change in these behaviors, and <1% reported an increase. Approximately 61% reported decreases in one-time sexual encounters (95% confidence interval [CI], 56.8%–64.7%), 54.3% reduced numbers of sex partners (95% CI, 50.4%–58.0%), 53.4% decreased sex via a dating app or sex venue (95% CI, 49.7%–58.0%), and 45.6% reported less group sex (95% CI, 40.4%–50.9%). Reported decreases in these behaviors were higher for MSM than women; in non-Hispanic Black than non-Hispanic White participants; and in participants with human immunodeficiency virus than participants without human immunodeficiency virus. Conclusions Most participants receiving mpox vaccination reported decreasing sexual behaviors associated with mpox virus transmission, including groups disproportionately affected by the outbreak.