We found a match
Your institution may have rights to this item. Sign in to continue.
- Title
Mpox patients' experience from infection to treatment and implications for prevention and control: A multicenter qualitative study in China.
- Authors
Zhang, Weijie; Qi, Xiao; Yang, Liuqing; Meng, Xiaojun; Xu, Guangyong; Luo, Sitong; Wu, Ke; Tang, Jiapeng; Wang, Bingyi; Fu, Leiwen; Han, Baihui; He, Jinbo; Zhang, Ye; Wang, Fuxiang; Lin, Yuanlong; Cao, Wanxian; Liu, Siyang; He, Longtao; Gao, Yong; Lv, Fan
- Abstract
Monkeypox (mpox), a viral zoonotic disease, is spreading worldwide. However, evidence that informs prevention and control strategies in the Asia Pacific Region is very limited. Our study aims to investigate the experiences of mpox patients from infection to treatment to provide scientific basis for the prevention and control. A multicenter qualitative design was used. A total of 15 mpox patients were recruited between July 6 and July 25, 2023, from six cities in China. Semistructured interviews were conducted by telephone and analyzed using the thematic analysis. The interview was divided into two sections: patients' experiences (prediagnosis experience, treatment‐seeking experience, and quarantine experience) and advice. Prediagnosis experience was summarized into three themes: symptoms, possible routes of infection, and knowledge of mpox. Treatment‐seeking experience was summarized into three themes: time of visit to hospital, diagnostic difficulties, and attitude toward diagnosis. Quarantine experience was summarized into three themes: body and mind reactions, reluctance to self‐disclose infection status, and factors facilitating recovery. Themes identified from patients' advice were as follows: (1) Increase in testing channels and methods, (2) Development and introduction of vaccines, (3) Adjustment of quarantine program, (4) Improvement of treatment measures, and (5) Improvement of publicity and education. To effectively curb the mpox epidemic, structured measures are urgently needed to address the mpox‐related stigma and discrimination. Targeted health education should be provided to MSM, focusing on the prevention, detection, and treatment services. Hospitals should enhance the training of clinicians in key departments including infectious disease and dermatology, to improve diagnostic capability and sensitivity. Furthermore, given the absence of specific antiviral medications, supervised home quarantine may be a good option.
- Subjects
CHINA; PATIENTS' attitudes; MONKEYPOX; ZOONOSES; QUARANTINE; MEDICAL assistants; COMMUNICABLE diseases
- Publication
Journal of Medical Virology, 2024, Vol 96, Issue 1, p1
- ISSN
0146-6615
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1002/jmv.29338