Books by Wim Vanden Berghe
De beleving en waardering van diversiteit en inclusiviteit
onder medewerkers van Defensie
Percept... more De beleving en waardering van diversiteit en inclusiviteit
onder medewerkers van Defensie
Perception and appreciation of diversity and inclusion among the Dutch armed forces
Papers by Wim Vanden Berghe
Background Globally, the HIV epidemic is representing a pressing public health issue in Europe an... more Background Globally, the HIV epidemic is representing 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 (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.
Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 2010
In this article, we examine the impact of acculturation strategies on minority stress and mental ... more In this article, we examine the impact of acculturation strategies on minority stress and mental health in lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) youth in Flanders, Belgium. Building on previous identity minority studies and on the social stress model, we investigate how LGB youth acculturate within both the LGB subculture and mainstream society and how this correlates with their mental health. Our sample is taken from an online survey and represents 561 LGB youth aged 14 through 21. The four traditional acculturation strategies are represented in this population (integration, separation, marginalization, assimilation). Bisexual boys are mostly absent from separation and integration strategies; gay and lesbian youth in middle adolescence are significantly more represented in the separation strategy compared to their late adolescence counterparts. Further, our findings suggest the relevance of identification with the LGB community, especially for internalized negative attitudes toward homosexuality. LGB youth who identify with the LGB community score significantly lower on this internalized homonegativity.
HIV is a growing public health problem in Europe, with men-having-sex-with-men and migrants from
... more HIV is a growing public health problem in Europe, with men-having-sex-with-men and migrants from
endemic regions as the most affected key populations. More evidence on effective behavioral interventions
to reduce sexual risk is needed. This article describes the systematic development of a theoryguided
computer-assisted safer sex intervention, aiming at supporting people living with HIV in sexual
risk reduction. We applied the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol to develop this counseling intervention
in the framework of a European multicenter study. We conducted a needs assessment guided by
the information–motivation–behavioral (IMB) skills model, formulated change objectives and selected
theory-based methods and practical strategies, i.e. interactive computer-assisted modules as supporting
tools for provider-delivered counseling. Theoretical foundations were the IMB skills model, social
cognitive theory and the transtheoretical model, complemented by dual process models of affective
decision making to account for the specifics of sexual behavior. The counseling approach for delivering
three individual sessions was tailored to participants’ needs and contexts, adopting elements of motivational
interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy.We implemented and evaluated the intervention
using a randomized controlled trial combined with a process evaluation. IM provided a useful framework
for developing a coherent intervention for heterogeneous target groups, which was feasible and
effective across the culturally diverse settings. This article responds to the need for transparent descriptions
of the development and content of evidence-based behavior change interventions as potential
pillars of effective combination prevention strategies.
JAIDS
Objective: To better understand risk factors for the sexual transmission of hepatitis C (HCV) inf... more Objective: To better understand risk factors for the sexual transmission of hepatitis C (HCV) infection among 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 two controls were randomly selected from 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. 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 (AOR 9.84, 95% CI 2.26-42.78), fisting (AOR 3.54, 95% CI 1.31-9.57), having intercourse with HIV positive men (AOR 5.51, 95% CI 1.87-16.20) and a documented gonorrhoea or chlamydial infection in the year prior to inclusion in the study (AOR 4.50, 95% CI 1.11-18.31) 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 douching plays in the acquisition of HCV infection and other STIs requires further research, as well as the effect of serosorting on STI transmission.
BMC Public Health, Oct 18, 2013
Background
European men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to be disproportionally affected ... more 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.
AIDS and behavior, 2013
Men who have sex with men (MSM) are confronted with different health problems. Next to a higher H... more Men who have sex with men (MSM) are confronted with different health problems. Next to a higher HIV prevalence and a higher reporting of depressive symptoms and other mental health problems, there is also evidence of substance dependence and sexual compulsivity occurring simultaneously. Using a sample of 591 HIV-negative Belgian MSM, we examine the relationships between depressive symptoms and other risk factors of unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) practice with casual partners. These risk factors include depressive symptoms, sexual behavioural indicators, individual risk perception of UAI, intrapersonal factors measured by the sexual sensation seeking scale, substance use, sources of social support and social norming regarding condom use and finally the location where or media through which men find sex partners. Our findings show that multifactorial, intertwined factors contribute to the explanation of UAI among MSM at risk for HIV infection. These findings underline the need for an integrated sexual health approach for MSM.
Acta Clinica …, Jan 1, 2011
Over the past decade an increasing incidence of hepatitis C (HCV) has been observed in different ... more 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. A 37 question online survey was conducted via two well known websites in Belgium for MSM. 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. 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.
Journal of youth and …, Jan 1, 2009
In this article, we examine the impact of acculturation strategies on minority stress and mental ... more In this article, we examine the impact of acculturation strategies on minority stress and mental health in lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) youth in Flanders, Belgium. Building on previous identity minority studies and on the social stress model, we investigate how LGB youth acculturate within both the LGB subculture and mainstream society and how this correlates with their mental health. Our sample is taken from an online survey and represents 561 LGB youth aged 14 through 21. The four traditional acculturation strategies are represented in this population (integration, separation, marginalization, assimilation). Bisexual boys are mostly absent from separation and integration strategies; gay and lesbian youth in middle adolescence are significantly more represented in the separation strategy compared to their late adolescence counterparts. Further, our findings suggest the relevance of identification with the LGB community, especially for internalized negative attitudes toward homosexuality. LGB youth who identify with the LGB community score significantly lower on this internalized homonegativity.
Journal of Applied …, Jan 1, 2010
Journal of Applied …, Jan 1, 2011
Journal of LGBT health …, Jan 1, 2008
This article concentrates on the influence of determinants of mental health on a lesbian, gay, an... more This article concentrates on the influence of determinants of mental health on a lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) population in Flanders. Our sample is drawn from the Zzzip survey, and contains 2,280 LGBs, of whom 1,565 are men and 715 are women. The traditional social stress model outlines the influence of general stressors on stress (Pearlin, 1989). Meyer (1995) has expanded Pearlin&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s model to include the concept of minority stress. This study focuses on aspects of personal characteristics and social structural arrangements. Our study confirms the importance of age and education as relevant determinants for mental health. Additionally, although most research establishes sex differences in depression, this study does not find significant differences in depression between men and women. In women, sexual identity is a significant determinant of depressive score, but we do not find the same in men. Finally, both general and minority stressors, especially the internal stressors, are found to have an important effect on depressive outcomes.
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Books by Wim Vanden Berghe
onder medewerkers van Defensie
Perception and appreciation of diversity and inclusion among the Dutch armed forces
Papers by Wim Vanden Berghe
endemic regions as the most affected key populations. More evidence on effective behavioral interventions
to reduce sexual risk is needed. This article describes the systematic development of a theoryguided
computer-assisted safer sex intervention, aiming at supporting people living with HIV in sexual
risk reduction. We applied the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol to develop this counseling intervention
in the framework of a European multicenter study. We conducted a needs assessment guided by
the information–motivation–behavioral (IMB) skills model, formulated change objectives and selected
theory-based methods and practical strategies, i.e. interactive computer-assisted modules as supporting
tools for provider-delivered counseling. Theoretical foundations were the IMB skills model, social
cognitive theory and the transtheoretical model, complemented by dual process models of affective
decision making to account for the specifics of sexual behavior. The counseling approach for delivering
three individual sessions was tailored to participants’ needs and contexts, adopting elements of motivational
interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy.We implemented and evaluated the intervention
using a randomized controlled trial combined with a process evaluation. IM provided a useful framework
for developing a coherent intervention for heterogeneous target groups, which was feasible and
effective across the culturally diverse settings. This article responds to the need for transparent descriptions
of the development and content of evidence-based behavior change interventions as potential
pillars of effective combination prevention strategies.
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 two controls were randomly selected from 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. 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 (AOR 9.84, 95% CI 2.26-42.78), fisting (AOR 3.54, 95% CI 1.31-9.57), having intercourse with HIV positive men (AOR 5.51, 95% CI 1.87-16.20) and a documented gonorrhoea or chlamydial infection in the year prior to inclusion in the study (AOR 4.50, 95% CI 1.11-18.31) 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 douching plays in the acquisition of HCV infection and other STIs requires further research, as well as the effect of serosorting on STI transmission.
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.
onder medewerkers van Defensie
Perception and appreciation of diversity and inclusion among the Dutch armed forces
endemic regions as the most affected key populations. More evidence on effective behavioral interventions
to reduce sexual risk is needed. This article describes the systematic development of a theoryguided
computer-assisted safer sex intervention, aiming at supporting people living with HIV in sexual
risk reduction. We applied the Intervention Mapping (IM) protocol to develop this counseling intervention
in the framework of a European multicenter study. We conducted a needs assessment guided by
the information–motivation–behavioral (IMB) skills model, formulated change objectives and selected
theory-based methods and practical strategies, i.e. interactive computer-assisted modules as supporting
tools for provider-delivered counseling. Theoretical foundations were the IMB skills model, social
cognitive theory and the transtheoretical model, complemented by dual process models of affective
decision making to account for the specifics of sexual behavior. The counseling approach for delivering
three individual sessions was tailored to participants’ needs and contexts, adopting elements of motivational
interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy.We implemented and evaluated the intervention
using a randomized controlled trial combined with a process evaluation. IM provided a useful framework
for developing a coherent intervention for heterogeneous target groups, which was feasible and
effective across the culturally diverse settings. This article responds to the need for transparent descriptions
of the development and content of evidence-based behavior change interventions as potential
pillars of effective combination prevention strategies.
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 two controls were randomly selected from 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. 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 (AOR 9.84, 95% CI 2.26-42.78), fisting (AOR 3.54, 95% CI 1.31-9.57), having intercourse with HIV positive men (AOR 5.51, 95% CI 1.87-16.20) and a documented gonorrhoea or chlamydial infection in the year prior to inclusion in the study (AOR 4.50, 95% CI 1.11-18.31) 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 douching plays in the acquisition of HCV infection and other STIs requires further research, as well as the effect of serosorting on STI transmission.
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.