Experiences of accessing HIV testing for migrants living in Denmark

INTRODUCTION: About 40% of all new HIV cases in Denmark are migrants. Studies show that migrants are typically diagnosed several years after arriving in Denmark, indicating a worrying missed opportunity for testing. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the experience of accessing HIV testing among migrants living in Denmark.

METHODS: The study participants were recruited from April to July 2021 at the outpatient HIV clinics in the departments of infectious diseases at two large hospitals in Denmark. We included informants who were: 1) > 17 years, 2) born in Eastern Europe, Asia, Latin America or Africa, and 3) had tested positive with HIV after 1 January 2013 in Denmark. In total, 19 particpants were included. We conducted interviews based on a semi-structured interview guide and analysed them through thematic network analysis.

RESULTS: The study found that risk perception and stigma were important factors in seeking HIV testing among migrants. From the study, three pathways to diagnosis emerged: 1) feeling ill and seeking healthcare, 2) fertility or pregnancy-related screening and 3) routine HIV testing. Pathways differed considerably between men who have sex with men and heterosexual informants.

CONCLUSIONS: The study showed an increased need for provider-initiated testing to promote early diagnosis of HIV among migrants in Denmark. Structural policies and practices should be introduced to ensure this.

FUNDING: This work was supported by AIDS Foundation Denmark.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not relevant.