Adapting an artificial intelligence sexually transmitted diseases symptom checker tool for Mpox detection: the HeHealth experience.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications have shown promise in the management of pandemics. In response to the global Monkeypox (Mpox) outbreak, the HeHealth.ai team leveraged an existing tool to screen for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) to develop a digital screening test for symptomatic Mpox using AI. Before the global Mpox outbreak, the team developed a smartphone app (HeHealth) where app users can use a smartphone to photograph their own penises to screen for symptomatic STD. The AI model initially used 5000 cases and a modified convolutional neural network to output prediction scores across visually diagnosable penis pathologies including syphilis, herpes simplex virus, and human papillomavirus. A total of about 22,000 users had downloaded the HeHealth app, and ~21,000 images were analysed using HeHealth AI technology. We then used formative research, stakeholder engagement, rapid consolidation images, a validation study, and implementation of the tool. A total of 1000 Mpox-related images had been used to train the Mpox symptom checker tool. Based on an internal validation, our digital symptom checker tool showed specificity of 87% and sensitivity of 90% for symptomatic Mpox. Several hurdles identified included issues of data privacy and security for app users, initial lack of data to train the AI tool, and the potential generalisability of input data. We offer several suggestions to help others get started on similar projects in emergency situations, including engaging a wide range of stakeholders, having a multidisciplinary team, prioritising pragmatism, as well as the concept that 'big data' in fact is made up of 'small data'.

Receptiveness to monkeypox vaccines and public health communication strategies among gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Singapore: cross-sectional quantitative and qualitative insights.

OBJECTIVES: Monkeypox (mpox) was declared as a global health emergency by the WHO, with most reported cases disproportionately involving gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM). This study explored the willingness of Singaporean GBMSM to receive mpox vaccines and engage in changes to sexual behaviour, and analysed the factors influencing both decisions. METHODS: An online cross-sectional study was disseminated through community groups and Grindr from September to October 2022 among GBMSM in Singapore, where we surveyed respondents' demographics, stigma associated with mpox, perceived risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and changes to sexual behaviours in response to mpox. Descriptive statistics and multivariable linear and logistics regression analyses, as well as thematic analysis of data, were also conducted. RESULTS: 237 GBMSM community members responded to the survey, with the majority being receptive to vaccine and 67.5% indicating changes to sexual behaviour in view of rising mpox infections. Predictors of vaccine receptivity among GBMSM included self-perceived mpox risk (adjusted OR (aOR)=0.44, 95% CI 0.07, 0.82) and self-perceived STI risk (aOR=0.39, 95% CI 0.03, 0.76). Predictors for changes to sexual behaviour included self-perceived mpox stigma (aOR=1.17, 95% CI 1.08, 1.27), self-perceived mpox risk (aOR=1.22, 95% CI 1.03,1.44), age (aOR=0.96, 95% CI 0.93, 1.00) and race (aOR=0.31, 95% CI 0.10, 0.93). In the thematic analysis, respondents raised concerns about vaccine effectiveness, side effects, cost and privacy. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the rise in mpox infections have prompted changes to GBMSM's sexual practices. In general, GBMSM are willing to receive the mpox vaccine but are concerned about the physical and social consequences of uptake. These concerns should be addressed when vaccines are released.

The Role and Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Addressing Sexually Transmitted Infections, Nonvenereal Genital Diseases, Sexual Health, and Wellness.

The potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnosing and managing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), nonvenereal genital diseases, and overall sexual health is immense. AI shows promise in STI screening and diagnosis through image recognition and patient data analysis, potentially increasing diagnostic accuracy while ensuring inclusivity. AI can fuel the transformation of e-health and direct-to-consumer services, enhancing targeted screening and personalized interventions while improving the user-friendliness of services. There is a significant role for AI in sexual education, particularly its use in interactive, empathetic chatbots. AI's integration into health care as a decision support tool for primary health-care providers can boost real-time diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, AI's use in big data can enhance real-time epidemiology, predictive analysis, and directed interventions at population levels. However, challenges such as real-world diagnostic accuracy, liability, privacy concerns, and ethical dilemmas persist. Future directions include an emphasis on inclusivity, language accommodation, and swift research-to-practice transitions. Collaboration among policymakers, researchers, and health-care providers is needed to leverage AI's transformative potential in sexual health.