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. 2023 Apr 19;23(1):712.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-023-15540-y.

Insights into barriers and facilitators in PrEP uptake and use among migrant men and transwomen who have sex with men in Belgium

Ella Van Landeghem  1 , Stef Dielen  2 , Aline Semaan  2 , Anke Rotsaert  2 , Jef Vanhamel  2 , Caroline Masquillier  3 , Edwin Wouters  3 , Kristien Wouters  4 , Bea Vuylsteke  2 , Thijs Reyniers  2 , Christiana Nöstlinger  2
Affiliations

Insights into barriers and facilitators in PrEP uptake and use among migrant men and transwomen who have sex with men in Belgium

Ella Van Landeghem et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: PrEP uptake is low among non-Belgian men and transwomen who have sex with men, although the HIV epidemic among men who have sex with men in Belgium is diversifying in terms of nationalities and ethnicity. We lack an in-depth understanding of this gap.

Methods: We conducted a qualitative study using a grounded theory approach. The data consists of key informants interviews and in-depth interviews with migrant men or transwomen who have sex with men.

Results: We identified four underlying determinants which shape our participants' experiences and contextualize the barriers to PrEP use. These include (1) the intersectional identities of being migrant and men and transwomen who have sex with men, (2) migration related stressors, (3) mental health and (4) socio-economic vulnerability. Identified barriers include: the accessibility of services; availability of information, social resources and providers' attitudes. These barriers influence PrEP acceptance and mediated by individual agency this influences their PrEP uptake.

Conclusion: An interplay of several underlying determinants and barriers impacts on PrEP uptake among migrant men and transwomen who have sex with men, illustrating a social gradient in access to PrEP. We need equitable access to the full spectrum of HIV prevention and care for all priority populations, including undocumented migrants. We recommend social and structural conditions that foster exercising these rights, including adapting PrEP service delivery, mental health and social support.

Keywords: Access to health care; Belgium; HIV prevention; Migrants; PrEP.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Explanatory conceptual framework
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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