[A randomized control study of precise health education about mpox in men who have sex with men based on internet platforms].

Objective

To conduct precise health education about mpox in men who have sex with men (MSM) based on internet platforms and evaluate its performance on the improvement of the mpox related knowledge awareness level in this population.

Methods

In January 2025, a randomized controlled study was conducted in MSM recruited through the "Sunshine Test" WeChat official account of the Hangzhou Coastal Public Welfare Social Organization. By using a random number table, the MSM were divided into education group and control group at ratio of 1∶1, and all of them completed a baseline electronic questionnaire. Based on the baseline survey results, the MSM in the education group were further divided into 3 awareness level groups, i.e. high awareness level group (≥12 correct answers), medium awareness level group (9-11 correct answers), and low awareness level group (≤8 correct answers). Tailored educational materials were delivered at different frequencies to conduct precise health education for one month. Finally, mpox knowledge awareness level were compared between the two groups.

Results

A total of 360 MSM were included in data analysis, including 176 in the education group and 184 in the control group. In the baseline survey, the proportions of MSM with high awareness level in the education group and in control group were 46.0% and 46.7%, respectively, the difference was not significant. After the precise health education, the proportions of the MSM with high awareness levelin the education group and control group were 84.7% and 58.7%, respectively, the difference was significant (P<0.001).

Conclusions

The awareness level of mpox related knowledge was relatively low in MSM. The internet-based precision health education can rapidly improve the awareness level of mpox related knowledge in MSM.