Brief report: Determinants of potential sexual activity reduction in the face of the Monkeypox epidemic

The current monkeypox epidemic is most prevalent among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM). Vaccination programs are being rolled-out to curb the epidemic. Behavioural measures have been called for as well, e.g., by the WHO to reduce the number of sexual partners and sexual activity. We investigated intentions and determinants among Dutch MSM to follow such measures. Early July 2022, 394 MSM answered an online questionnaire. The overall intentions to reduce number of partners and sexual activity was high, but only a minority had developed definite intentions. Determinant analysis revealed that dating/open relationship status was a positive predictor, vaccination intentions did not predict sexual behaviour change; those not on PrEP were more likely to change their sexual behaviour. Monkeypox infection concern was negatively related to weaker intentions and only predicted definite intentions. Our results show that additional public health measures are necessary to reach and convince MSM to engage in sexual behaviour change.