30 Monkeypox-Induced Secondary Traumatic Stress: An Exploratory Analysis of Young Sexual and Gender Minority Adults Living in Illinois

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The rapid spread of Monkeypox (MPV) across the US may trigger stress reactions that increase the risk of developing secondary trauma among those most at risk of exposure. The present study aimed to investigate the degree to which vicarious MPV exposure (i.e., knowing people who acquired MPV), was associated with symptoms of secondary traumatization. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: An online survey was administered to 253 participants enrolled in Keeping it LITE, a prospective U.S. cohort study of ethnically diverse, sexually active, sexual, and gender minority persons aged 19–39 in September 2022. Multiple linear regression was used to examine the association between proximity to MPV and secondary traumatic stress (STS) symptoms. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Study findings demonstrated that MPV morbidity was low (1%); however, 37% of participants reported knowing at least one person diagnosed with MPV. For most individuals, this person was a friend (28%). 16% of participants were found to have at least one indicator of MPV-related STS. Our multiple linear regression results demonstrated a positive association between an individual’s indirect exposure to MPV via their interpersonal relationships and STS symptoms. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Findings suggest that the more adults’interpersonal relationships are saturated with people who have acquired MPV, the more likely they are to develop symptoms of secondary traumatization. These findings provide initial evidence that secondary exposure to MPV via one’s social network may undermine adults’mental health.