JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Recent mpox outbreaks have underscored significant gaps in global preparedness for emerging and re-emerging infections. These outbreaks have disproportionately affected marginalized populations, exposing weaknesses in health systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Although mpox is endemic in certain African regions, its global spread in 2022 and the emergence of a Clade Ib in 2024 have highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive and context-specific public health responses. We outline the protocol for an innovative multi-method qualitative study (VERDIQual) conducted across four countries—Italy, Nigeria, Thailand, and the United Kingdom (UK)—to explore the lived experiences of individuals who have acquired and/or are affected by mpox.

Objective:

The overall aim of VERDIQual is to provide contextual understanding of the 2022 mpox outbreak -and other mpox outbreaks immediately preceding and following it – in endemic and non-endemic settings.

Methods:

VERDIQual employs a flexible, multi-method qualitative approach, integrating content analysis of news and social media, focus group discussions (FGDs), semi-structured interviews (SSIs), and participatory photography. The study will capture perspectives from a diverse range of stakeholders, including individuals affected by mpox. Data will be collected and analyzed using the Rapid Assessment Procedure (RAP) approach, enabling real-time synthesis of findings to provide timely and contextually relevant insights.

Results:

Data collection tools, including FGD and SSI topic guides, have been developed in collaboration with the study Community Advisory Board. Data collection and analysis are expected to be completed by October 2025. Teams across the four countries have begun identifying media houses and social media platforms for inclusion in the news and social media analysis. Study results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences, policy briefs, and stakeholder workshops and community events, with a focus on informing future public health responses to (re)-emerging infections.

Conclusions:

VERDIQual employs a novel multi-method qualitative approach to understanding (re)-emerging infections, especially among in marginalized groups. By integrating participatory and rapid assessment methods, it aims to provide timely insights to strengthen outbreak preparedness and global health equity. Clinical Trial: Not applicable