%0 Report %D 2023 %T Surveillance des infections sexuellement transmissibles. Situation épidémiologique jusqu' au 31 décembre 2021 %A Amaryl Lecompte %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A Sherihane Bensemmane %A Dorien Van Den Bossche %A Irith De Baetselier %A Dominique Van Beckhoven %I Sciensano %C Brussels %P 39 %8 2023 %G eng %M D/2023.14.440/44 %0 Report %D 2023 %T Surveillance van seksueel overdraagbare infecties. Epidemiologische situatie op 31 december 2021 %A Amaryl Lecompte %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A Sherihane Bensemmane %A Dorien Van Den Bossche %A Irith De Baetselier %A Dominique Van Beckhoven %K chlamydia %K gonorroe %K seksueel overdraagbare aandoeningen %K syfilis %I Sciensano %C Brussels %P 39 %8 2023 %G eng %M D/2023.14.440/43 %0 Journal Article %J Global Public Health %D 2022 %T Process evaluation of a bio-behavioural HIV research combined with prevention among GBMSM in 13 European countries %A Dias, Sonia %A Ana Gama %A Nigel Sherriff %A Lorenzo Gios %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A Cinta Folch %A Marcus, Ulrich %A Danica Valkovičová Staneková %A Michał Pawlęga %A Saulius Caplinskas %A Emilia Naseva %A Irena Klavs %A Inga Velicko %A Massimo Mirandola %A Nöstlinger, Christiana %B Global Public Health %V 17 %8 Apr-05-2022 %G eng %N 5 %R 10.1080/17441692.2021.1874469 %0 Journal Article %J Sex Transm Infect %D 2022 %T Understanding sexual transmission dynamics and transmission contexts of monkeypox virus: a mixed-methods study of the early outbreak in Belgium (May-June 2022). %A Jef Vanhamel %A Valeska Laisnez %A Laurens Liesenborghs %A Isabel Brosius %A Nicole Berens-Riha %A Thibaut Vanbaelen %A Chris Kenyon %A Koen Vercauteren %A Laga, Marie %A Hammami, Naïma %A Oriane Lambricht %A Romain Mahieu %A Amaryl Lecompte %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A Vuylsteke, Bea %K monkeypox %K Sexual Behavior %X

OBJECTIVE: The available epidemiological and clinical evidence from the currently ongoing monkeypox (MPX) outbreak in non-endemic areas suggests an important factor of sexual transmission. However, limited information on the behaviour and experiences of individuals with an MPX infection has to date been provided. We aimed to describe the initial phase of the MPX outbreak in Belgium, and to provide a more in-depth description of sexual behaviour and transmission contexts.

METHODS: We used routine national surveillance data of 139 confirmed MPX cases with date of symptom onset until 19 June 2022, complemented with 12 semistructured interviews conducted with a subsample of these cases.

RESULTS: Sexualised environments, including large festivals and cruising venues for gay men, were the suspected exposure setting for the majority of the cases in the early outbreak phase. In-depth narratives of sexual behaviour support the hypothesis of MPX transmission through close physical contact during sex. Despite awareness of the ongoing MPX outbreak, low self-perceived risk of MPX acquisition and confusing initial signs and symptoms for other STIs or skin conditions delayed early detection of an MPX infection. In addition, we describe relevant contextual factors beyond individual behaviour, related to sexual networks, interpersonal interactions and health systems. Some of these factors may complicate early MPX detection and control efforts.

CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the role of sexual contact and networks in the transmission of MPX during the early phase of the outbreak in Belgium. Risk communication messages should consistently and transparently state the predominant sexual transmission potential of MPX virus, and prevention and control measures must be adapted to reflect multilevel factors contributing to MPX transmission risk.

%B Sex Transm Infect %8 2022 Nov 17 %G eng %R 10.1136/sextrans-2022-055601 %0 Journal Article %J Sexually Transmitted Infections %D 2021 %T An alarming high prevalence of resistance-associated mutations to macrolides and fluoroquinolones in Mycoplasma genitalium in Belgium: results from samples collected between 2015 and 2018ObjectivesMethodsResultsConclusion %A Irith De Baetselier %A Chris Kenyon %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A Hilde Smet %A Kristien Wouters %A Dorien Van den Bossche %A Vuylsteke, Bea %A Tania Crucitti %B Sexually Transmitted Infections %V 97 %8 May-06-2022 %G eng %N 4 %R 10.1136/sextrans-2020-054511 %0 Journal Article %J AIDS and Behavior %D 2021 %T Awareness of, Willingness to Take PrEP and Its Actual Use Among Belgian MSM at High Risk of HIV Infection: Secondary Analysis of the Belgian European MSM Internet Survey %A Veerle Buffel %A Reyniers, Thijs %A Caroline Masquillier %A Estrelle Thunissen %A Nöstlinger, Christiana %A Laga, Marie %A Edwin Wouters %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A Jessika Deblonde %A Vuylsteke, Bea %K HIV %K prevention %X

We examined PrEP awareness, willingness to take it and early PrEP use among men who have sex with men (MSM) at increased risk of HIV acquisition in Belgium. This analysis of the Belgian EMIS online data of 2017-2018 adopts a cascade approach, with the following steps quantified as conditional probabilities: being eligible for, aware of, willing to take PrEP, and PrEP use. One out of three MSM was eligible to use PrEP according to the operationalized Belgian reimbursement criteria. PrEP awareness was lower among socioeconomically vulnerable MSM, MSM living outside large cities, MSM who were less open about their sexuality and those who did not identify as gay or homosexual. A lack of PrEP knowledge, a higher self-efficacy regarding safe sex, having a steady partner and reporting more symptoms of depression were related to unwillingness to use PrEP. Among those willing to take PrEP, less than one third were actually using PrEP. Not using PrEP was associated with living in small cities and experiencing financial problems.

%B AIDS and Behavior %8 Dec-11-2022 %G eng %R 10.1007/s10461-021-03526-z %0 Journal Article %J JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes %D 2021 %T Did Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Roll-Out Influence the Epidemic of Rectal Lymphogranuloma Venereum in Belgium? Results From the National Surveillance System %A Irith De Baetselier %A Achilleas Tsoumanis %A Florence, Eric %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A Tania Crucitti %A Dorien Van den Bossche %A Chris Kenyon %B JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes %V 86 %8 Jan-01-2021 %G eng %N 1 %R 10.1097/QAI.0000000000002524 %0 Report %D 2021 %T The European men who have sex with men internet survey (EMIS) 2017 - Resultaten voor België %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A Jessika Deblonde %A Sandrine Detandt %A Charlotte Pezeril %A Mark Sergeant %A Stephen Barris %K EMIS %K HIV %K IST %K MSM %K SOA %K VIH %I Sciensano/Observatoire du sida et des sexualités (ULB) %C Brussels %8 02/2021 %G eng %0 Report %D 2021 %T The European men who have sex with men internet survey (EMIS) 2017 - Résultats pour la Belgique %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A Jessika Deblonde %A Sandrine Detandt %A Charlotte Pezeril %A Mark Sergeant %A Stephen Barris %K EMIS %K HIV %K IST %K MSM %K SOA %K VIH %I Sciensano/Observatoire du sida et des sexualités (ULB) %C Brussels %8 02/2021 %G eng %0 Journal Article %J BMC Infect Dis %D 2021 %T Prevalence estimates of genital Chlamydia trachomatis infection in Belgium: results from two cross-sectional studies. %A Nathalie Fischer %A Ilse Peeters %A Sofieke Klamer %A Marion Montourcy %A Vicky Cuylaerts %A Dominique Van Beckhoven %A Irith De Baetselier %A Johan Van der Heyden %A Wim Vanden Berghe %K ADOLESCENT %K Adult %K Belgium %K Chlamydia Infections %K Chlamydia trachomatis %K cross-sectional studies %K Female %K Genitalia %K Humans %K Male %K middle aged %K prevalence %K Risk Factors %K Sexual Behavior %K STI %K Young adult %X

BACKGROUND: Chlamydia trachomatis (chlamydia) is the most diagnosed sexually transmitted infection in Belgium. Screening programs focus on young women, due to the implications of chronic asymptomatic infections for reproductive health. Thereby, the frequency of infections in men and older adults is underestimated. This study aimed to estimate the point-prevalence of chlamydia in the broader Belgian population, to inform evidence-based prevention and control strategies.

METHODS: We conducted two cross-sectional prevalence studies of chlamydia infection in the population of Belgium aged 16-59 years, 2018-2020. In the CT1 study 12,000 representative individuals were randomly selected from the national register and invited by letter to collect a urine sample at home. The CT2 study used urine samples collected through the Belgian Health Examination Survey. Molecular detection of chlamydia DNA was performed using Xpert or Abbott Real-Time CT/NG assays. Weighted estimated prevalence and 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated per gender and age groups of 16/18-29, 30-44 and 45-59 years, relative to the general Belgian population. Data collected on sociodemographic variables and sexual behavior were used to identify potential risk factors for chlamydia infection through calculation of the odds ratio (OR).

RESULTS: The population-wide weighted estimated prevalence was 1.54% (95% CI 0.78-3) in CT1 and 1.76% (95% CI 0.63-4) in CT2. We observed no statistically significant difference between men and women or age groups. Civil relationship status (OR = 14.1 (95% CI 1.78-112), p < 0.01), sexual intercourse with a casual partner (OR = 6.31 (95% CI 1.66-24.1), p < 0.01) and > 3 sexual partners in the last 12 months (OR = 4.53 (95% CI 1.10-18.6), p = 0.02) were associated with higher relative risk for chlamydia infection.

CONCLUSION: Nationwide prevalence studies are relevant to assess the distribution of chlamydia and inform public health actions. The overall low prevalence and heterogeneous distribution of chlamydia in the general Belgian population needs to be considered for future strategies and potential harm of testing and treating asymptomatic individuals need to be taken into account. Effective case management should include appropriate treatment of symptomatic patients and partner notification, and prevention strategies should encourage behaviors such as condom use.

%B BMC Infect Dis %V 21 %8 2021 Sep 14 %G eng %N 1 %R 10.1186/s12879-021-06646-y %0 Generic %D 2021 %T Sexually Transmitted Infections surveillance among the patient population in Belgian general practice %A Sherihane Bensemmane %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A Robrecht De Schreye %K primary care %K Sexually Transmitted Diseases %K Surveillance %B 14th European Public Health Conference %I European Journal of Public Health %C online %8 20/10/2021 %G eng %R https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckab165.462 %0 Journal Article %J Acta Clinica Belgica %D 2020 %T Diagnosis and treatment of gonorrhoea: 2019 Belgian National guideline for primary care %A Vicky Jespers %A Sabine Stordeur %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A Saphia Mokrane %A Agnes Libois %A Chris Kenyon %A Clare Jones %A Nicole Dekker %A Anne-Sophie De Cannière %A Irith De Baetselier %A Tania Crucitti %K Gonorrhea %K Sexually Transmitted Diseases %B Acta Clinica Belgica %8 Feb-06-2020 %G eng %R 10.1080/17843286.2020.1773111 %0 Journal Article %J Acta Clinica Belgica %D 2020 %T Diagnosis and treatment of syphilis: 2019 Belgian National guideline for primary care %A Vicky Jespers %A Sabine Stordeur %A Serena Carville %A Tania Crucitti %A Els Dufraimont %A Chris Kenyon %A Agnes Libois %A Saphia Mokrane %A Wim Vanden Berghe %K Sexually Transmitted Diseases %K Syphilis %B Acta Clinica Belgica %8 Jun-06-2020 %G eng %R 10.1080/17843286.2020.1773112 %0 Report %D 2020 %T Surveillance des infections sexuellement transmissibles - Données pour la période 2017-2019 %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A Amaryl Lecompte %A Sherihane Bensemmane %A Robrecht De Schreye %A Irith De Baetselier %K chlamydia %K gonnorhée %K IST %K Syphilis %I Sciensano %C Brussel %8 2020 %G eng %M D/2020.14.440/84 %0 Report %D 2020 %T Surveillance des infections sexuellement transmissibles - Données pour la période 2014-2016 %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A Irith De Baetselier %A Dieter Van Cauteren %A S Moreels %A André Sasse %A Sophie Quoilin %K Chlamydia Infections %K Gonorrhea %K seksueel overdraagbare aandoeningen %K Syphilis %I Sciensano %C Brussels, Belgium %G eng %M D/2020/14.440/1 %0 Report %D 2020 %T Surveillance van seksueel overdraagbare aandoeningen - Gegevens voor de periode 2014-2016 %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A Irith De Baetselier %A Dieter Van Cauteren %A S Moreels %A André Sasse %A Sophie Quoilin %K Chlamydia Infections %K Gonorrhea %K seksueel overdraagbare aandoeningen %K Syphilis %I Sciensano %C Brussels, Belgium %P 23 %8 01/2020 %G eng %M D/2020/14.440/2 %0 Report %D 2020 %T Surveillance van seksueel overdraagbare aandoeningen - Gegevens voor de periode 2017-2019 %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A Amaryl Lecompte %A Sherihane Bensemmane %A Robrecht De Schreye %A Irith De Baetselier %K chlamydia %K gonorroe %K SOA %K syfilis %I Sciensano %C Brussel %G eng %M 2020/14.440/85 %0 Journal Article %J Journal of Homosexuality %D 2019 %T Being in the Closet. Correlates of Outness Among MSM in 13 European Cities %A Lorenzo Gios %A Massimo Mirandola %A Nigel Sherriff %A Igor Toskin %A Karel Blondeel %A Dias, Sonia %A Danica Stanekova %A Cinta Folch %A Susanne Barbara Schink %A Christiane Nöstlinger %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A Emilia Naseva %A Ivailo Alexiev %B Journal of Homosexuality %8 Apr-09-2019 %G eng %R 10.1080/00918369.2019.1656033 %0 Journal Article %J Epidemiol Infect %D 2018 %T Current levels of gonorrhoea screening in MSM in Belgium may have little effect on prevalence: a modelling study. %A J Buyze %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A N Hens %A C Kenyon %X

There is considerable uncertainty as to the effectiveness of Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) screening in men who have sex with men. It is important to ensure that screening has benefits that outweigh the risks of increased antibiotics resistance. We develop a mathematical model to estimate the effectiveness of screening on prevalence. Separable Temporal Exponential family Random Graph Models are used to model the sexual relationships network, both with main and casual partners. Next, the transmission of Gonorrhoea is simulated on this network. The models are implemented using the R package 'statnet', which we adapted among other things to incorporate infection status at the pharynx, urethra and rectum separately and to distinguish between anal sex, oral sex and rimming. The different screening programmes compared are no screening, 3.5% of the population screened, 32% screened and 50% screened. The model simulates day-by-day evolution for 10 years of a population of 10 000. If half of the population would be screened, the prevalence in the pharynx decreases from 11.9% to 10.2%. We conclude that the limited impact of screening on NG prevalence may not outweigh the increased risk of antibiotic resistance.

%B Epidemiol Infect %V 146 %8 2018 Feb %G eng %N 3 %R 10.1017/S0950268818000092 %0 Journal Article %J Int J Drug Policy %D 2018 %T Prevalence of drug use during sex amongst MSM in Europe: Results from a multi-site bio-behavioural survey. %A Magdalena Rosińska %A Lorenzo Gios %A Nöstlinger, Christiana %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A Marcus, Ulrich %A Susanne Schink %A Nigel Sherriff %A Anna-Marie Jones %A Cinta Folch %A Dias, Sonia %A Inga Velicko %A Massimo Mirandola %X

BACKGROUND: Substance use has been consistently reported to be more prevalent amongst Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) compared to the general population. Substance use, in particular polydrug use, has been found to be influenced by social and contextual factors and to increase the risk of unprotected intercourse among MSM. The objective of this analysis was to investigate the prevalence and predictors of drug use during a sexual encounter and to identify specific prevention needs.

METHODS/DESIGN: A multi-site bio-behavioural cross-sectional survey was implemented in 13 European cities, targeting MSM and using Time-Location Sampling and Respondent-Driven Sampling methods Multivariable multi-level logistic random-intercept model (random effect of study site) was estimated to identify factors associated with the use of alcohol, cannabis, party drugs, sexual performance enhancement drugs and chemsex drugs.

RESULTS: Overall, 1261 (30.0%) participants reported drug use, and 436 of 3706 (11.8%) reported the use of two or more drugs during their last sexual encounter. By drug class, 966 (23.0%) reported using sexual performance enhancement drugs, 353 (8.4%) - party drugs, and 142 (3.4%) the use of chemsex drugs. Respondents who reported drug use were more frequently diagnosed with HIV (10.5% vs. 3.9%) before and with other STIs during the 12 months prior to the study (16.7% vs. 9.2%). The use of all the analysed substances was significantly associated with sexual encounter with more than one partner.

DISCUSSION: Substance and polydrug use during sexual encounters occurred amongst sampled MSM across Europe although varying greatly between study sites. Different local social norms within MSM communities may be important contextual drivers of drug use, highlighting the need for innovative and multi-faceted prevention measures to reduce HIV/STI risk in the context of drug use.

%B Int J Drug Policy %V 55 %8 2018 May %G eng %R 10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.01.002 %0 Report %D 2018 %T Surveillance des IST_ 2016_rapport_intérimaire %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A Tania Crucitti %A Irith De Baetselier %G eng %0 Report %D 2018 %T Surveillance van SOA_2016_tussentijds_rapport %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A Tania Crucitti %A Irith De Baetselier %G eng %0 Journal Article %J BMC Public Health %D 2016 %T Bio-behavioural HIV and STI surveillance among men who have sex with men in Europe: the Sialon II protocols. %A Lorenzo Gios %A Massimo Mirandola %A Igor Toskin %A Marcus, Ulrich %A Sandra Dudareva-Vizule %A Nigel Sherriff %A Michele Breveglieri %A Martina Furegato %A Cinta Folch %A Laia Ferrer %A Alexandra Montoliu %A Nöstlinger, Christiana %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A Sharon Kühlmann-Berenzon %A Inga Velicko %A Dias, Sonia %A Suligoi, Barbara %A Vincenza Regine %A Danica Stanekova %A Magdalena Rosińska %A Saulius Caplinskas %A Irena Klavs %A Ivailo Alexiev %A Alexandru Rafila %K Adult %K cross-sectional studies %K Epidemics %K Europe %K HIV Infections %K Homosexuality, Male %K Humans %K Male %K Population Surveillance %K Sexually Transmitted Diseases %K Surveys and Questionnaires %K Young adult %X

BACKGROUND: Globally, the HIV epidemic continues to represent a pressing public health issue in Europe and elsewhere. There is an emerging and progressively urgent need to harmonise HIV and STI behavioural surveillance among MSM across European countries through the adoption of common indicators, as well as the development of trend analysis in order to monitor the HIV-STI epidemic over time. The Sialon II project protocols have been elaborated for the purpose of implementing a large-scale bio-behavioural survey among MSM in Europe in line with a Second Generation Surveillance System (SGSS) approach.

METHODS/DESIGN: Sialon II is a multi-centre biological and behavioural cross-sectional survey carried out across 13 European countries (Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and the UK) in community settings. A total of 4,966 MSM were enrolled in the study (3,661 participants in the TLS survey, 1,305 participants in the RDS survey). Three distinct components are foreseen in the study protocols: first, a preliminary formative research in each participating country. Second, collection of primary data using two sampling methods designed specifically for 'hard-to-reach' populations, namely Time Location Sampling (TLS) and Respondent Driven Sampling (RDS). Third, implementation of a targeted HIV/STI prevention campaign in the broader context of the data collection.

DISCUSSION: Through the implementation of combined and targeted prevention complemented by meaningful surveillance among MSM, Sialon II represents a unique opportunity to pilot a bio-behavioural survey in community settings in line with the SGSS approach in a large number of EU countries. Data generated through this survey will not only provide a valuable snapshot of the HIV epidemic in MSM but will also offer an important trend analysis of the epidemiology of HIV and other STIs over time across Europe. Therefore, the Sialon II protocol and findings are likely to contribute significantly to increasing the comparability of data in EU countries through the use of common indicators and in contributing to the development of effective public health strategies and policies in areas of high need.

%B BMC Public Health %V 16 %8 2016 Mar 02 %G eng %R 10.1186/s12889-016-2783-9 %0 Journal Article %J The Lancet HIV %D 2016 %T PrEP for African migrants in Europe? A research agenda %A Loos, Jasna %A Christiana Nöstlinger %A Reyniers, Thijs %A Colebunders, Robert %A Vicky Jespers %A Manirankunda, Lazare %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A Vuylsteke, Bea %A Laga, Marie %B The Lancet HIV %V 3 %8 Jan-11-2016 %G eng %N 11 %R 10.1016/S2352-3018(16)30173-4 %0 Journal Article %J J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr %D 2015 %T Risk factors for HCV acquisition among HIV-positive MSM in Belgium. %A Apers, Ludwig %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A De Wit, Stéphane %A Kabeya, Kabamba %A S. Callens %A Jozefien Buyze %A Christopher Kenyon %A Florence, Eric %A Anne Buvé %K Adult %K Belgium %K Case-Control Studies %K Hepatitis C %K HIV Infections %K Homosexuality, Male %K Humans %K Interviews as Topic %K Male %K middle aged %K Risk Factors %K Therapeutic Irrigation %X

OBJECTIVE: To better understand risk factors for the sexual transmission of hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection among men who have sex with men (MSM).

DESIGN: Case-control study among HIV-infected MSM, attending AIDS Reference Centers in Belgium.

METHODS: Cases were HIV-infected MSM who were diagnosed with HCV between January 2010 and December 2013. For each case, 2 controls were randomly selected among the HIV-positive MSM who tested negative for HCV around the same time as the cases were identified. Consenting participants were interviewed with a questionnaire on risk factors. Medical records were abstracted to document past episodes of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Associations between HCV infection and risk factors were explored using bivariate analysis followed by multiple logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: A total of 52 cases and 90 controls were recruited. In multivariate analysis, douching before anal intercourse [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 9.84, 95% CI: 2.26 to 42.78], fisting (AOR = 3.54, 95% CI: 1.31 to 9.57), having intercourse with HIV-positive men (AOR = 5.51, 95% CI: 1.87 to 16.20), and a documented gonorrhoea or chlamydial infection in the year before inclusion in the study (AOR = 4.50, 95% CI: 1.11 to 18.31) were independently associated with incident HCV infection.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirmed fisting and suffering from other STIs as risk factors for HCV and suggested an increased risk of HCV associated with serosorting. Furthermore, we identified anal douching as being associated with HCV infection. The role that douching plays in the acquisition of HCV infection and other STIs requires further research, as well as the effect of serosorting on STI transmission.

%B J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr %V 68 %8 2015 Apr 15 %G eng %N 5 %R 10.1097/QAI.0000000000000528 %0 Journal Article %J BMC Public Health %D 2013 %T International mobility, sexual behaviour and HIV-related characteristics of men who have sex with men residing in Belgium. %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A Nöstlinger, Christiana %A Harm Hospers %A Laga, Marie %K Adult %K Belgium %K HIV Infections %K HIV Seropositivity %K Homosexuality, Male %K Humans %K incidence %K Logistic Models %K Male %K middle aged %K Sexual Behavior %K Sexually Transmitted Diseases %K Travel %K Unsafe Sex %K Young adult %X

BACKGROUND: European men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be disproportionally affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Several factors are contributing to the rates of new HIV infections among MSM. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of travel behaviour and sexual mobility in the spread of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STI) among European MSM.

METHODS: Belgian data from the first pan-European MSM internet survey EMIS was used (n=3860) to explore individual and contextual determinants of sexual behaviour among MSM, who resided in Belgium at the time of data collection and who reported having had sexual contact abroad in the last 12 months. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated by means of logistic regression.

RESULTS: MSM who practiced unprotected anal intercourse UAI during their last sexual encounter abroad were less likely to be living in a large city (OR:0.62, 95% CI:0.45-0,86, p<0.01) and more likely to be HIV positive (OR:6.20, 95% CI:4.23-9.06, p<0.001) ), to have tested HIV positive in the last 12 months (OR:3.07, 95% CI:1.07-8.80, p<0.05), to have been diagnosed with any STI in the last 12 months (OR:2.55; 95% CI:1.77-3.67, p<0.05), to have used party drugs (OR:2.22, 95% CI:1.59-3.09, p<0.001), poppers (OR:1.52, 95% CI:1.07-2.14, p<0.001) and erection enhancing substances (OR:2.23, 95% CI:1.61-3.09, p<0.001) compared to MSM who did not have UAI with their last sexual partner abroad. Men having had UAI in the last 12 months were more likely to have done so in a neighbouring country of Belgium (OR:1.66, 95% CI:1.21-2.29, p<0.001). Different sexual behavioural patterns related to condom use and drug use were identified according to HIV test status among travelling men.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provide evidence for the role of international mobility and sexual behavior while travelling, in the spread of HIV and STI among MSM in Europe. Further, the findings underline the need for development of European cross-border HIV and STI interventions with coherent messages and prevention policies for MSM.

%B BMC Public Health %V 13 %8 2013 Oct 18 %G eng %R 10.1186/1471-2458-13-968 %0 Journal Article %J Acta Clin Belg %D 2011 %T Awareness of hepatitis C infection among men who have sex with men in Flanders, Belgium. %A I De Ryck %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A C Antonneau %A Colebunders, R %K ADOLESCENT %K Adult %K Aged %K Belgium %K comorbidity %K Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice %K Hepatitis C %K HIV Infections %K Homosexuality, Male %K Humans %K Male %K middle aged %K Young adult %X

BACKGROUND: Over the past decade an increasing incidence of hepatitis C (HCV) has been observed in different countries among HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM). We conducted an online survey in the Dutch speaking part of Belgium among MSM to assess awareness of transmission routes and prevention measures for HCV.

METHODS: A 37 question online survey was conducted via two well known websites in Belgium for MSM.

RESULTS: Out of 333 responders, only 57% of men self reporting high-risk sexual behaviour considered themselves at risk for HCV. Only 48.2% knew there is no protective vaccine against HCV. Forty eight (16.6%) men were convinced they were protected for HCV by a vaccine. One third of men considered personal hygiene as an efficient way of HCV prevention. Over half of the responders never received any information about HCV, but almost all would find it useful.

CONCLUSIONS: The online survey among MSM in Flanders, Belgium suggests that awareness of transmission routes and prevention measures for HCV is low and that there is an urgent need for more information.

%B Acta Clin Belg %V 66 %8 2011 Jan-Feb %G eng %N 1 %R 10.2143/ACB.66.1.2062513 %0 Journal Article %J Euro Surveill %D 2011 %T A venue-based HIV prevalence and behavioural study among men who have sex with men in Antwerp and Ghent, Flanders, Belgium, October 2009 to March 2010. %A Wim Vanden Berghe %A C Nostlinger %A Buvé, A %A G Beelaert %A Fransen, K %A M Laga %K ADOLESCENT %K Adult %K Age factors %K Aged %K Belgium %K Condoms %K cross-sectional studies %K HIV Infections %K Homosexuality, Male %K Humans %K Male %K middle aged %K prevalence %K Residence Characteristics %K Sex Work %K Sexual Partners %K Social Environment %K Socioeconomic Factors %K Surveys and Questionnaires %K Young adult %X

This venue-based, cross-sectional study reports on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence and behaviour of 649 men who have sex with men (MSM) in Antwerp and Ghent, Flanders, Belgium, from October 2009 to March 2010. Using time-location sampling, we found that HIV prevalence in MSM who attended different types of venue ranged from a high of 14.5% (95% CI: 8.9–20.1; n=22 in cruising venues to 4.9% (95% CI: 1.9–7.9; n=10) in more general gay venues to 1.4% (95% CI: 0.0–3.6; n=3) at younger MSM venues. Of those who tested HIV positive (n=35, five were unaware of their HIV status or self-reported as being HIV negative. One in five respondents were of non-Belgian nationality. The results showed relatively high rates of testing for HIV (52.2%; 95 % CI: 47.8–56.2; n=288) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) (57.4%; 95% CI: 52.6–62.0; n=248) in the last 12 months. A majority of the men (n=233) used condoms consistently during their last anal sexual contact with a casual partner; however, HIV-positive men who were aware of their serostatus (n=30) reported less condom use with casual partners. This is the first such study in Belgium and the results constitute the evidence base for local, targeted interventions. Furthermore, our findings underscore the need for European cross-border cooperation to prevent HIV infection and other STIs among MSM.

%B Euro Surveill %V 16 %8 2011 Jul 14 %G eng %N 28