Voluntary HIV and Viral Hepatitis Testing in Newly Arrived Migrant Men in a First Reception Center in the North of Paris—a Qualitative Study on the Perception and Forms of Participation

A systematic review of barriers and facilitators for hepatitis B and C screening among migrants in the EU/EEA region

“…Most included studies were observational studies ( n = 47) ( 24 – 70 ), followed by qualitative studies ( n = 13) ( 71 – 83 ), experimental studies ( n = 7) ( 84 – 90 ), and mixed-method studies (n=1) ( 91 ). All the studies were finished, except for the study of Thonon, Fahmi ( 90 ).…”

“…At the migrant level, knowledge and awareness were often inseparably linked and are major concepts to consider. In comparison to other infectious diseases, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) for example, hepatitis is relatively unknown with various misconceptions about its nature, transmission and health risks ( 68 , 71 , 73 ). For example, in the study of Cochrane, Collins ( 73 ) hepatitis was mistaken for jaundice and the asymptomatic course was often unknown.…”

“…Furthermore, the perceived outcome expectancy can influence the willingness to participate in screening. Screening can provide the individual with a personal benefit, such as clarity on infection status or treatment in case of infection ( 43 , 71 ). Nevertheless, low perceived personal benefit or low motivation can impede screening willingness ( 90 ).…”

“…Logistical barriers such as finite financial resources, lack of time and geographic barriers, including transport and lack of locally available services, can be decisive ( 60 ). Also, other pressing matters, such as administrative procedures for approval of a residence permit, may require priority ( 58 , 71 ). The disadvantaged social position of migrants and socio-economic insecurity can be barriers to screening ( 61 , 83 ).…”

“…The intense migration journey may lead to trauma and fear. Also, people may have anxiety about the screening itself, including fear of drawing blood, anxiety about receiving the test results, and fear about disclosure of the outcome ( 71 , 75 , 78 ).…”