Community assets; HIV testing and care; migrants; SDG 10: Reduced inequalities; SDG 3: Good health and well-being; Adult; Belgium; Emigrants and Immigrants; Female; Germany; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Health Services Accessibility; HIV Infections; HIV Testing; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Needs Assessment; Netherlands; Qualitative Research; Social Stigma; Health (social science); Social Psychology; Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Abstract :
[en] This study addresses disparities among people with a migration background (PMB) and those in less-urban regions, across the HIV prevention and care continuum (HIVPCC). We conducted a needs assessment and assets assessment to identify gaps between existing initiatives and persisting barriers. The research was conducted in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine (EMR), encompassing bordering regions in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, and involved in-depth interviews with fifteen first-generation PMB, including nine with HIV. Six factors influencing PMB access to the HIVPCC were identified: past experiences with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or HIV; HIV stigma and social dynamics; confidence and communication with healthcare providers and social workers; healthcare system navigation; precarity; and knowledge and beliefs about HIV/STIs. Existing assets mostly target individual or interpersonal levels, are often inaccessible due to language barriers, inadequately match PMB’s living conditions and culture, and are irregular and hyperlocal. Recommendations include enhancing cultural sensitivity, adopting participatory approaches, tailoring outreach activities to legal situations and cultural context, and fostering cooperation between healthcare and social work institutions. This study underscores the importance of considering societal and institutional dynamics in bridging gaps in the HIVPCC for PMB, advocating for targeted interventions that promote inclusivity and equity.
Disciplines :
Immunology & infectious disease
Author, co-author :
Nakakawa, Andrea ; Maastricht University, Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht, Netherlands
Krist, Lizette C. ; Maastricht University, Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht, Netherlands
Stutterheim, Sarah E. ; Maastricht University, Department of Health Promotion & Care, Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht, Netherlands
Englebert, Simon; Centre de Santé Sexuelle Liégois, Liège, Belgium
Beer, Daniel; PraxenZentrum Blondelstrasse Aachen–Praxis Dr. Med. H.Knechten, Aachen, Germany
Moutschen, Michel ; Université de Liège - ULiège > GIGA > GIGA Immunobiology - Immunology & Infectious Diseases
Jonas, Kai J. ; Maastricht University, Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht, Netherlands
Zimmermann, Hanne M.L. ; Maastricht University, Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht, Netherlands ; Public Health Service Amsterdam, Department of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Language :
English
Title :
Access to HIV prevention, testing and care among people with a migration background in Euregio Meuse-Rhine: a needs and assets assessment
Publication date :
2025
Journal title :
AIDS Care
ISSN :
0954-0121
eISSN :
1360-0451
Publisher :
Routledge
Volume :
37
Issue :
3
Pages :
480 - 503
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Funding text :
This work was supported by Aidsfonds: [Grant Number grant number P-54501]. The authors thank the participants for their time and willingness to contribute to this study. We also thank our KIs, especially the staff and volunteer members from Centre de Sant\u00E9 Sexuelle Li\u00E9gois (Centre S) and the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège (CHU) in Li\u00E8ge, for allowing us to join their activities and for their time during analysis phases. Lastly, we thank our colleagues and interviewers Tim Hesse, Lea Klausmann, and Bregje Kloeg for their efforts during the data collection period.
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