A5046823597- HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions
- HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk
- COVID-19 and Mental Health
- Migration, Health and Trauma
- Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy
- COVID-19 epidemiological studies
- Sex work and related issues
- Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health
- HIV/AIDS Impact and Responses
- Community Health and Development
- Migration, Identity, and Health
- HIV-related health complications and treatments
- Mosquito-borne diseases and control
- Disaster Management and Resilience
- COVID-19 and healthcare impacts
- Zoonotic diseases and public health
- Malaria Research and Control
- HIV Research and Treatment
- HIV, TB, and STIs Epidemiology
- Trypanosoma species research and implications
- Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes
- Global Public Health Policies and Epidemiology
- Homelessness and Social Issues
- Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research
Instituut voor Tropische Geneeskunde
2012-2023
Province of Antwerp
2022
Sexual Health Clinic
1993-2012
Abstract Background In high income countries, racialized/ethnic minorities are disproportionally affected by COVID-19. Despite the established importance of community involvement in epidemic preparedness, we lack in-depth understanding these communities’ experiences with and responses to We explored information prevention needs, coping mechanisms COVID-19 control measures their impact on lived among selected minority communities. Methods This qualitative rapid assessment conducted...
This study explored perceptions, needs, and barriers of sub-Saharan African migrants in relation to HIV voluntary counseling testing (VCT). Using an inductive qualitative methodological approach, data were obtained from focus group discussions. Results showed that participants principle favor VCT. However, they indicated outweighed advantages. Such included fear positive test results its related personal social consequences, lack information, preventive health behavior, denial risk, missed...
Abstract Background The importance of community involvement in the response against disease outbreaks has been well established. However, we lack insights into local communities’ experiences coping with current COVID-19 pandemic. This study explored both impact of, and to, within Orthodox Jewish communities Antwerp (Belgium) during first lockdown period (March 2020 – May 2020). Methods We conducted an explorative qualitative using a participatory approach. First, performed mapping to...
This study identified physicians' HIV testing practices and their barriers toward implementing provider-initiated counseling (PITC) for Sub-Saharan African migrants (SAM) in Flanders, Belgium. In-depth interviews were conducted on a purposive sample of 20 physicians (ten GPs ten internists). performed mainly patient-initiated tests, while internists carried out tests based disease indicators risk behavior. For the most part, World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines not followed. Study...
Introduction While sub-Saharan African migrants are the second largest group affected by HIV in Europe, sound prevalence estimates based on representative samples of these heterogeneous communities lacking. Such data needed to inform prevention and public health policy. Methods This community-based, cross-sectional study combined oral fluid testing with an electronic behavioral survey. Adopting a two-stage time location sampling for sample adult Antwerp, Belgium were obtained. Sample...
Late human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) diagnosis is common among sub-Saharan African migrants. To address their barriers to HIV testing uptake and improve timely diagnoses linkage care, the outreach intervention, "swab2know," was developed. It combined a community-based approach with innovative methods: oral fluid self-sampling choice between Web-based test result collections using secured website or post-test counseling at sexual health clinic. The sessions included an informational speech...
Provider-initiated HIV testing and counseling (PITC) is recommended to reduce late diagnoses, common among Sub-Saharan African migrants (SAM) residing in Europe. Primary care represents an ideal entry point for PITC. To support Flemish general practitioners (GPs), we developed a culturally sensitive PITC tool. Over 12-week period, 65 GPs implemented assess acceptability feasibility of The qualitative evaluation showed high physicians. Routine was challenged by physicians' personal...
Abstract Background Pre-existing racial/ethnic disparities in health, sustained by intersecting socio-economic and structural inequities, have widened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, little attention has been paid lived experiences of people ethnic/racialised minority communities, causes effects underlying COVID-19-related burden. This hinders tailored responses. study explores Sub-Saharan African (SSA) communities’ needs, perceptions, pandemic its control measures Antwerp (Belgium) 2020....
HIV-related stigma and discrimination are recognized barriers to HIV prevention, testing treatment among people of Sub-Saharan African descent (SSA) origin living in Belgium, but insights into related-stigma mechanisms outcomes lacking for this population with high prevalence. Guided by Earnshaw Chaudoir’s framework (2009), we conducted qualitative study using 10 focus-groups 76 SSA community members 20 in-depth interviews descendants explore specific HIV-stigma underlying drivers. Inductive...
Background: Sub-Saharan African Migrants (SAM) are the second largest group affected by HIV/AIDS in Belgium and rest of Western Europe. Increasing evidence shows that, more than previously thought, SAM acquiring HIV their host countries. This calls for a renewed focus on primary prevention. Yet, knowledge magnitude epidemic among (HIV prevalence estimates proportions undiagnosed infections) underlying drivers scarce limit development such interventions.
Abstract Background: The importance of community involvement in the response against disease outbreaks has been well established. However, we lack insights into local communities’ experiences coping with current COVID-19 pandemic. This study explored both impact of, and to, within Orthodox Jewish communities Antwerp (Belgium) during first lockdown period (March 2020 – May 2020). Methods: We conducted an explorative qualitative using a participatory approach. First, performed mapping to...
<h3>Background</h3> Despite the high testing rate in Belgium a considerable number of individuals remain undiagnosed. Outreach and minimally invasive strategies might increase uptake HIV-testing. Swab2know aims at evaluating feasibility non-invasive confidential HIV test strategy among groups with risk acquiring infection (Subsaharan African migrants; SAM, men who have sex men; MSM) community settings. <h3>Methods</h3> is using oral fluid samples for Oral collected on validated device...
Pre-existing racial and ethnic disparities in health, sustained by complex intersecting socio-economic structural inequities have exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is limited evidence about how communities experience epidemic, their perception of causes effects related burden. This hinders true engagement with co-creation comprehensive prevention strategies including that can address health disparities. We conducted this study to explore local needs, perceptions, experiences...
Abstract Background Evidence shows that pre-existing racial/ethnic disparities in health, sustained by complex and intersecting socio-economic structural inequities, have widened due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, little attention had been paid lived experiences of people ethnic/racialised minority communities web causes effects underlying related suffering. We conducted a study explore Sub-Saharan African communities’ needs, perceptions, different pandemic its control measures...
Abstract Background: In high income countries, racialized/ethnic minorities are disproportionally affected by COVID-19. We lack in-depth understanding of these communities’ experiences with and responses to COVID-19 despite the established importance community involvement in epidemic preparedness. explored information prevention needs, coping mechanisms control measures their impact on lived among selected minority communities.Methods: This qualitative rapid assessment conducted...