Titel Promotor Affiliaties "Korte inhoud" "The PARADox of BElgian Inequality Studies: Belgium less unequal than others? (BE-PARADIS)" "Koen Decancq" "Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Centrum voor sociaal beleid Herman Deleeck (CSB)" "Inequality and poverty are high on the agenda of researchers, politicians, and international institutions, and fuel the public discussion at large. The IMF has labelled inequality as the 'defining challenge' of our time because it signals a lack of income mobility and opportunity, and because it has important consequences for growth and macroeconomic stability, and carries a risk of concentrating decision making in the hands of a few. In the last fifteen years also the OECD has gathered 'a significant body of evidence on the increased inequalities of income and opportunities in many countries', and concludes that inequality is 'bad and getting worse' (OECD 2018). In this proposal we start from two observations. First, and curiously enough, most existing statistics for Belgium tell a different story. Based on survey data, Horemans et al. (2011) and Van Rie and Marx (2014) conclude that the Belgian income inequality remained fairly stable between 1985 and the late 2000s. Also the OECD‐report cited above, reports a minor change in the Gini from 0.257 in 1983 to 0.264 in 2011, and even a slight decline since 2004. Similarly, Decoster et al. (2017) could not find evidence that the top incomes in Belgium have benefitted disproportionally from the economic growth since the nineties. Furthermore, the Belgian at‐risk‐of‐poverty rate has remained stable during the last decades. These findings not only stand in sharp contrast with the conclusions for many other countries; they also seem to contradict the widespread perception that inequality, poverty, material deprivation, and insecurity are on the rise. Understanding this 'paradox' is one of the central objectives of our project (and explains the project acronym). Second, Belgium remains notoriously absent from a rapidly expanding track in empirical research, which describes and analyses distributional information in a standard which emulates the framework of national accounts. This new standard is known as DIstributional National Accounts (DINA), and is essentially an extension of the methods proposed by Kuznets, who combined, in a pioneering effort, national income series (macro‐data) with income tax data (micro‐data). Recently, the upgrade of national accounts to incorporate distributional information has been initiated by the late Tony Before completing, please read carefully the instructions in the information file Call 2019 BRAIN‐be 2.0 Call 2019 'National thematic Project': BE‐PARADIS 2 Atkinson, and further developed by a scholars such as Thomas Piketty and Emmanuel Saez. In early 2018, their team at the Paris School of Economics launched the World Wealth and Income Database, which gives access to data about inequality and other macroeconomic indicators for many countries. Unfortunately, Belgium is missing from this dataset. In this project we will investigate the paradox and bring Belgium to the frontier of international research on inequality by renewed, profound, and critical inquiry of existing and fresh data, concepts, and methods." "Belgium Antiqua. Musea, archeologie en de creatie van een nationale identiteit in België (1870-1940)." "Erfgoedwetenschappen Antwerpen (ARCHES)" "Tot voor kort vertoonde de geschiedenis van archeologie als een wetenschappelijke discipline een serieuze bias, omdat de spectaculaire opgravingen in Rome, Griekenland, Mesopotamië of Egype veel - om niet te zeggen, alle - aandacht opeisten, terwijl de negentiende-eeuwse genese van de zogenaamde ""achtertuinarcheologie"" op het eigen territorium nauwelijks onderzocht werd. Door te putten uit de onzettend rijke - maar nauwelijks bestuurde - archieven van het Koninkijk Museum voor Kunst en Geschiedenis in Brussel, wil dit project nagaan hoe de belangrijkste collectie voor nationale archeaologie in België vorm kreeg in de loop van de late negentiende en vroege twintigste eeuw. Daarbij sluiten we aan bij een aantal recente debatten in het veld over institutionalisering, professionalisering en ideologisering van archeologie, waarbij we de belangrijkste actoren en instituties van die ""achtertuinarcheologie"" identificeren, nagaan welke technieken en methoden er precies gebruikt werden en de link met nationalisme en imperialisme blootleggen." "Zeldzame obstetrische complicaties in België: een nationaal registratie- en evaluatiesysteem. The Belgian Obstetric Surveillance System (B.OSS)." "Sinds 2012 is B.OSS gestart met de registratie van belangrijke obstetrische complicaties in België, gesteund door het U+2018College Moeder en PasgeboreneU+2019, naar analogie met de UK Obstetric Surveillance System. B.OSS maakt het mogelijk inzicht te krijgen in voorkomen, beleid en uitkomst van ernstige obstetrische aandoeningen in België, om de obstetrische gezondheidszorg te vergelijken met naburige landen, om richtlijnen te formuleren." "Optimizing the service delivery of PrEP for HIV prevention in Belgium" "Steven Callens, Beatrijs Vuylsteke, Karina Kielmann" "Seksuele Gezondheid inclusief Hiv, Gelijkwaardigheid en Gezondheid" "Background and problem statement Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a very safe and efficacious HIV prevention method [1]. Given the sub-optimal global uptake of PrEP, key priorities for future PrEP implementation include maximizing access and reaching those at substantial risk of HIV. In Belgium, publicly funded PrEP was approved by health authorities in June 2017. The delivery of PrEP care has been organized almost exclusively through a centralized system of 12 specialized and multidisciplinary HIV clinics (i.e. ‘HIV Reference Centers’). Studies suggests that the growing demand for PrEP could put a strain on this centralized system [2-3]. Scaling-up PrEP services calls for a sustainable approach that balances equitable access with the provision of high quality care. This will likely require adapting the current delivery model for PrEP, including exploring potential de-centralization strategies. However, it remains currently unclear what a de-centralized, client-centered and sustainable service delivery model for PrEP in Belgium could look like. Research questions The overall objective of this thesis is: “to understand how the service delivery of PrEP in Belgium can be organized to ensure it is responsive to users’ needs, while preserving quality of care and limiting the burden on the health system”. Specific research questions include: (RQ1) “How has PrEP service delivery been implemented globally and in Belgian HIV clinics?”; (RQ2) “What are current PrEP providers’ experiences, perceptions and attitudes related to quality of care for PrEP?""; (RQ3) “How do Flemish family physicians perceive their role in the service delivery of PrEP?”; and (RQ4) “What are users’ needs and preferences for receiving PrEP care in the future?”. Methodology: This thesis will have a observational, cross-sectional, mixed-methods design consisting of four components. First, to answer the first part of RQ1, a systematic scoping review of peer-reviewed and grey literature was performed to make an inventory of currently applied PrEP delivery models globally [6]. Then, to answer the second part of RQ1 and RQ2, we have set up a qualitative multiple case study of PrEP implementation in different Belgian HIV Reference Centers (HRCs). Study sites were selected through opportunity sampling, with 8 out of 12 HRCs who agreed to participate. Data collection activities at each site include: qualitative interviews with PrEP providers, semi-structured observations of delivery settings and clinical care processes, and review of documents relevant to understanding care practices and structure. Participants for the interviews are recruited through purposive sampling (e.g. a mix of medical, para-medical, auxiliary and supporting staff). We aim to include a minimum of 3 interviews per study site, with the option of including additional interviews based on the concept of ‘data saturation’, as per the iterative nature of qualitative social science research. For RQ3, we have conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with family physicians practicing in Flanders [7]. We included 16 groups, with a mix in type of practice and urbanicity, to allow for adequate exploration and comparison across groups. Group discussions were held with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 10 participants per group. Lastly, RQ4 will be addressed through a mixed-methods study. An online survey will be conducted among 250 current PrEP users, recruited via social media and PrEP-delivering HRCs. Through purposive sampling, based on the survey’s findings and specific answers to the questions, a sub-sample of 20 survey participants who provided consent to be contacted will be invited for an interview to focus more in-depth on experiences with PrEP care and their needs and care preferences for the future. All qualitative data in this thesis (verbatim transcripts, field notes and summaries) will be analyzed iteratively using thematic analysis and grounded theory, to allow a combined inductive/deductive approach to analysis of textual data. Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics in R. Planning The research activities described in this thesis are funded through a granted FWO-SBO research project. The literature review and FGDs with family physicians have been wrapped-up, with manuscripts published or in review [4-5]. Since other research activities are either in data collection or analysis phase, we aim to finish this thesis by Q4 2023." "Contemporary challenges in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Pre-Exposure-Prophylaxis care in Belgium" "Veronique Verhoeven, Eric Florence, Christopher Kenyon" "Hiv/soa-kliniek, Seksueel Overdraagbare Infecties" "Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Pre-Exposure-Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a very effective way to prevent HIV acquisition when correctly taken.1–4 It has been rolled-out in Belgium in 2017 for people at high risk of HIV acquisition like men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM).5 Its uptake is continuously increasing, with just over 4000 patients having ever subscribed for PrEP through the Belgian public healthcare system between 2017 and 2019, 97.6% of them being MSM.6 Nevertheless, many barriers to PrEP care have been described such as logistical barriers, (fear of) side effects and financial issues7. The Promise project is a study that aims to optimize PrEP roll-out in Belgium to maximize impact on HIV incidence, addressing the barriers (potential) PrEP users face is one of the key objectives of this project. My work will focus on PrEP care users’ needs. This will be achieved by analyzing data collected from PrEP users of the Institute of Tropical Medicine and from an online cohort of PrEP users. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methodologies will be used to examine PrEP care service use and PrEP users preferences regarding PrEP care, to distinguish patterns of PrEP use and to assess the need for additional risk-reduction strategies among PrEP users.PrEP users are particularly hit by sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Syphillis.8–13 Most PrEP guidelines, including Belgian ones, recommend 3-site (pharyngeal, urethral and ano-rectal) 3-monthly screening (3X3 screening) for those infections.14 While it has not been proven that screening for Neisseria Gonorrhoea (NG) and Chlamydia Trachomatis (CT) is effective in reducing the prevalence of these infections, screening leads to a very high antibiotic consumption15 which is in turn associated with the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).16 NG has developed resistance to all class of antimicrobials and is on its way to become untreatable.17 As a result, interventions are needed to reduce antimicrobial consumption (AMC), particularly in populations with a high AMC, like MSM on PrEP. The Gonoscreen study is the first randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess if 3X3 screening for NG and CT among PrEP users is effective in reducing the incidence of these infections. If screening for CT/NG is not associated with a reduced incidence of these infections, then reducing screening could lead to a dramatic decrease in AMC. Such strategies, along with other antibiotic stewardship interventions, are urgently needed to slow down the emergence of AMR." "Modelling the effectiveness of a mandatory salt reformulation policy in reducing the burden of diet-related cancers in Belgium" "Hendriek Boshuizen, Jose Luis Peñalvo" "Niet-overdraagbare Ziekten" "Colorectal and gastric cancer are some of the most prevalent diet-related cancers in the world, including in Belgium. Age, sex, socioeconomic factors, being overweight or obese, and unhealthy diets have been linked to an increased risk of developing these types of cancer. Nevertheless, little is known about the effect of diet over the life-course on risk accumulation and incidence of these diseases. Microsimulation models can be used to estimate the impact of prolonged exposure to (a combination of) certain dietary risk factors, from childhood to disease diagnosis. Moreover, these models can be used to quantify the health impact of various public health nutrition policies. Using innovative microsimulation models, this research has two main objectives. First, to estimate impact of salt consumption on the incidence and mortality of colorectal and gastric cancer in the Belgian population. Second, to quantify the impact of a mandatory reformulation policy targeting excess salt intake in reducing the burden of colorectal and gastric cancer in Belgium." "The public health impact of congenital toxoplasmosis and cytomegalovirus infection in Belgium" "Pierre Dorny, Pierre Dorny" "Congenital toxoplasmosis and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection can lead to lifelong disabilities and even fetal or neaonatal death. Although the clinical impact is well studied, their population level impact is often insufficently characterized; However, such information is vital for evidence-based health policy and for prioritizing the development of much needed prevention and intervention programs.In Belgium, data concerning both infections is generated by the National Reference Centre for Congenital Infections (NRC-CI) and the Flemish congenital CMV registry as well as by means of prenatal serological screening. Unfortunately, this does not contribute directly to any decision making processes, mainlby because the available data is only an indirect representation of the impact.The goal of this research project is to assess the public health impact of congenital toxoplasmosis and CMV infection in Belgium using available data sources. Upon success of this project, our knowledge on the clinical impact of these infections will be updated; a statistical up-to-date methodological framework will be developed to routinely monitor the incidence of both infections; the impact of congenital infections will be quantified for the first time; and the impact and cost-effectiveness of potential interventions can be evaluated. By applying the proposed methodology to other diseases, the health state of the Belgian population can be mapped in an efficent and policy-relevant way." "COmbining Regional Downscaling EXpertise in Belgium II - CORDEX.be II - deel 2" "Steven Caluwaerts" "Vakgroep Fysica en Sterrenkunde, Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, KU Leuven, University of Liège" "geen abstract" "Combineren van regionale neerschalingsexpertise in Belgium II - CORDEX.be II" "Steven Caluwaerts" "Vakgroep Fysica en Sterrenkunde, KU Leuven, Royal Meteorological Institute of Belgium, Flemish Institute for Technological Research, University of Liège" "Nationale klimaatscenario's vormen de basis voor de ondersteuning van het klimaatbeleid, zowel voor mitigatiemaatregelen om de uitstoot van broeikasgassen te verminderen als voor het ontwerp en de uitvoering van adaptatiemaatregelen. Een voorgaand CORDEX.be-project leverde gedetailleerde Belgische klimaatscenario's op, gebaseerd op drie regionale klimaatmodellen die door vier Belgische klimaatmodelleringsteams werden uitgevoerd. De ruimtelijk gedetailleerde modelresultaten (met een resolutie van 4 km) toonden een meer realistische weergave van de extreme klimaatgebeurtenissen. Het berekenen van klimaatscenario's met een groot ruimtelijk detail was een prioriteit in het Belgische nationale aanpassingsplan (2017-2020) en wordt voorgesteld als een actiepunt voor het volgende aanpassingsplan.De scenario's van het CORDEX.be-project moeten worden geactualiseerd om de volgende redenen1. de regionale klimaatmodellen worden verder ontwikkeld, waarbij nieuwe wetenschap wordt geïmplementeerd en meer gericht wordt op klimaatextremen;2. de scenario's moeten in overeenstemming zijn met de resultaten van het 6de IPCC rapport (IPCC, 2021);3. er is bij diverse belanghebbenden in sectoren die gevoelig zijn voor klimaatverandering (bijvoorbeeld gezondheidszorg, infrastructuur, vervoer en energie) een groeiende behoefte aan zeer gedetailleerde klimaatinformatie in ruimte en tijd en aan gegevens over extreme weersomstandigheden; en4. het gegevensbeheer van de klimaatscenario's bij de Belgische onderzoeksgroepen rond klimaatmodellering moet beter worden gecoördineerd.Het CORDEX.be II-project voorziet in deze behoeften en onderhoudt tegelijkertijd een nauwe dialoog met de belanghebbenden bij klimaatverandering. Er zullen een aantal impactstudies over klimaatverandering worden uitgevoerd om aan te tonen dat de klimaatscenario's aan de behoeften van de belanghebbenden beantwoorden. Dit omvat beoordelingen van klimaatrisico's op basis van kritieke indicatoren voor extreem weer. Er zullen enkele casestudies van extreme weersomstandigheden worden uitgevoerd." "Effect of mortality on marriage and fertility in Belgium, Germany and Sweden, 1700-1930" "Koenraad Matthys" "Centrum voor Sociologisch Onderzoek (OE), Departement Beeldvorming & Pathologie" "The study aims to analyse, based on historical data, the sociological and bio-evolutionary effects on long-term fertility trends in the 19th and early 20th century. In a first stage, this research will investigate the difference between the illegitimacy rate in rural and urban areas in Flanders (Belgium) and the reproductive outcome of illegitimate children. In a second stage, the research will focus on the influence of  Y-DNA haplogroups on demographic parameters such as fertility, age at first child, life expectancy and mortality. The COR* database, a historical-demographic database of the population in the district of Antwerp, as well as a genetic dataset from current male descendants of the COR* database will be used to investigate the research question."