Public health and community support for prevention of novel viral diseases: a qualitative study with LGBTQIA + people and people with blood-borne viruses

This article presents findings from the ‘Diverse Experiences and Understandings of Immunity in the Pandemic Age’ project. The aim of this research was to identify how Australians from specific communities who are perceived to be more at risk of COVID-19 and mpox experience and understand the relationship between human immunity, health, and illness in the age of existing and emerging infectious diseases and pandemics. Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted with four key sub-groups: (i) people identifying as LGBTQIA+; (ii) people with lived experience of HIV; (iii) hepatitis B (HBV); and/or (iv) hepatitis C (HCV). These sub-groups were included in the study because they have extensive experience in dealing with infectious disease prevention and management, as well as facing the social stigma and marginalisation that are often part of these experiences. Furthermore, some members of these communities are among those most at risk of contracting COVID-19 and mpox and subsequently experiencing severe or prolonged disease. Thematic analysis captured key findings as related to accessibility and acceptability of public health initiatives; access to health services; public health communication and education; and connection and support. Participants’ responses highlight how successful interactions between health communication strategies, inclusive health service delivery, social supports and public health protections, together with community organisations’ services, education campaigns and other supports, can alleviate the impacts of inequalities related to infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and mpox. The article discusses participants’ views on how health communication, public health, and community support initiatives have helped or hindered their efforts to keep well since the outbreak of COVID-19 and mpox. It includes recommendations for how these agencies and initiatives can better support communities of people faced with social discrimination and other inequalities in the future.