Download Regional Differences in Service Provision For People Living With

THPE0579
Eurosupport 5: Regional differences in service provision
for people living with HIV in Europe.
Tom Platteau1, Danica Stanekova2, Zbigniew Izdebski3, Nikos Dedes4, Joanna Dec3, Christiana Nöstlinger1, & the
Eurosupport V Study Group
Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM), Microbiology, Antwerp, Belgium; 2 National Reference Centre for HIV/Aids Prevention, Bratislava, Slovak Rep;
3 University of Zielona Gora, Zielona Gora, Poland; 4 SYNTHESIS, Athens, Greece
1
Introduction
Discussing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) with health care providers is an important component of supporting people living with HIV
(PLHIV) in reducing HIV transmission risk behaviour, yet it requires providers’ skills and confidence in services.
Eurosupport V compared regional differences of sexual risk behaviour and selected aspects of service delivery in a European context.
Methods
The Information-motivation-behavioral skills model (IMB) guided the cross-sectional research.
• Data collection:
– Between March – October 03-10/ 07
– Among consecutive patients in 17 treatment centres in 14 European countries
– Using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire.
• Ethical approval and informed consent procedures were obtained.
• Variable definitions:
–Sexual Risk behaviour: “At least one unprotected vaginal/anal sex contact in the past 6 months”
–Sexual Pressure: “Ever pressured, forced, or intimidated into unwanted sexual activities”
Statistical analysis
Performing bi-variate analysis (Chi squares and Kruskal-Wallis tests), we identified variables that differed significantly between the regions.
Data analysis was performed using SPPS 16.0.
Results
• Total: 1549 respondents (75% men, 25% women).
• Questionnaires were disproportionally distributed over regions:
• Western Europe (W-E): 63%
• Southern-Europe (S-E): 20%
• Central/Eastern Europe (CE-E): 17%
Service Provision Results
Sexual and Reproductive Health Results
Eurosupport 5 Partners:
Result summary
Significant differences were found between the regions:
• Sexual and Reproductive Health: ever been forced into sexual activities (higher in CE-E), and
satisfaction with sexual functioning (lower in W-E).
• Service Provision: patients from Central and Eastern Europe felt more discriminated; also
differences were found in satisfaction with HIV-services.
Study limitations
• Results are not representative of the general population of PLHIV in Europe
• Data are self-reported and voluntary participation may have biased study results
• No causal inferences can be made due to the study design
Conclusions
Country
Belgium
Austria
Germany
Greece
Italy
Portugal
Spain
UK
Slovak Republic
Czech Republic
Hungary
Poland
Latvia
Switzerland
Partner organization
Instituut voor Tropische Geneeskunde
SENSOA
European Centre
University of Innsbruck
Ludwig Maximilian University
SYNTHESIS
CARAP
San Raffaele Scientific Institute
Hospital Santa Maria
Universidad Complutense
Pennine Acute Hospitals
National Reference Centre for HIV/Aids Prevention
University of Prague, Institute of Sexology
Semmelweis Clinic, Institute of Public Health
University of Zielona Gora
Association for Family Planning and Sexual Health
University of Aargau
• Need for a tailored and culturally specific approach across Europe
• Better integration of SRH and prevention services might improve service delivery for men, women and couples living with HIV.
• Need for supportive environments free of discrimination that allow for discussing safer sex freely with service providers.
Next step: Eurosupport 6
Eurosupport is developing computer-assisted counselling tools for utilization in HIV
health care settings to support PLHIV to adopt safer sex. The intervention
(‘Computerised Intervention for Safer Sex’ or CISS) is based on the evidence found in
ES5 and guided by behavioural theories. The CISS will undergo rigorous evaluation
(experimental design). If found effective, the materials will be available and
disseminated in the form of a training and resource package for European Health
Care Providers. More information at: http://www.sensoa.be/eurosupport
Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp
Contact: [email protected]
Nationalestraat 155, B-2000 Antwerp, Belgium
Tel. +32-3-247.66.66
Fax. +32-3-216.14.31
www.itg.be
This study was supported by grant nr. 2004314. This poster
reflects solely the authors’ view. The European
Commission is not liable for any use that may be made of
the information provided herein.