Sexual Behaviour among Sub-Saharan African Migrant Women with HIV/AIDS in Belgium: A Qualitative Study

Objective: HIV/AIDS among migrants from resource-limited countries remains a public health challenge in the European Union. There are about 13,352 people with HIV/AIDS receiving treatment in Belgium, of whom 4,550 are sub-Saharan African (SSA) migrant women. Yet research on the characteristics and sexual behaviour of these women remains patchy. We examine the sexual behaviour of SSA migrant women infected with HIV in Belgium. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study through semi-structured in-depth interviews and observations with SSA migrant women with HIV/AIDS in Belgium between April 2013 and December 2014. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling if they 18 years and older, speaking French or English and receiving healthcare in Belgium. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify emerging themesand NVivo 8 was used to support data coding. Results: Of 113 patients invited to participate, 40 participants aged 20-67 years were interviewed. Most strikingly, a majority of the interviewees remain sexually active and reported inconsistent condom use with intimate partners. Strong fertility desires embedded in African culture were reported as a barrier to safe-sex. We observed a wide range of educational levels. Many were employed and most were Christians. Conclusion: SSA migrant women remain at high risk of HIV. Considering the diverse socio-demographic characteristics and risky sexual behaviour of most HIV-infected SSA women, tailored interventions are needed to control the spread of HIV/AIDS within the migrant as well as the general population. Continuous awareness campaigns about safe sex are needed to educate the general public, thus making HIV prevention a shared responsibility.