"It's better not to know": perceived barriers to HIV voluntary counseling and testing among sub-Saharan African migrants in Belgium
Manirankunda, L.; Loos, J.; Alou, Térèse.Assebide.; Colebunders, R.; Nöstlinger, C.
AIDS education and prevention official publication of the International Society for AIDS Education 21(6): 582-593
2009
ISSN/ISBN: 1943-2755 PMID: 20030501 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2009.21.6.582Document Number: 209497
This study explored perceptions, needs, and barriers of sub-Saharan African migrants in relation to HIV voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). Using an inductive qualitative methodological approach, data were obtained from focus group discussions. Results showed that participants were in principle in favor of VCT. However, they indicated that barriers outweighed advantages. Such barriers included fear of positive test results and its related personal and social consequences, lack of information, lack of preventive health behavior, denial of HIV risk, and missed opportunities. Limited financial resources were only a concern for some subgroups like young people, asylum seekers, and recent migrants. This study identified multiple and intertwined barriers to VCT from a community perspective. In order to promote VCT, interventions such as raising awareness through culturally sensitive education should be adopted at community level. At level of service provision, provider initiated HIV testing including target group tailored counseling should be promoted.