General Belgian Population Research Articles

Macrolide resistance is pervasive in oral streptococci in the Belgian general population: a cross-sectional survey.

Background. Commensal streptococci are common inhabitants of the oral microbiome and regulate its structure and function in beneficial ways for human health. They can, however, also be opportunistic pathogens and act as a reservoir of resistance genes that can be passed on to other bacteria, including pathogens. Little is known about the prevalence of these commensals in parents and their children and their antimicrobial susceptibilities in the Belgian general population.Gap Statement. The macrolide susceptibility of commensal oral Streptococci in Belgium is unknown.Methods. We assessed the prevalence and azithromycin susceptibility of commensal streptococcal species in the parents (n=38) and children (n=50) of 35 families in Belgium.Results. The most frequently detected taxonomic grouping was Streptococcus mitis/oralis, which was detected in 78/181 (43.1%) of the children's isolates and 66/128 (51.6%) of the parents' isolates. Of the 311 isolates collected in this study, 282 isolates (90.7%) had an azithromycin MIC value greater than the breakpoint of 0.25 mg l-1 and 146 isolates (46.9%) had azithromycin MICs greater than 2 mg l-1. There was no difference in the azithromycin MIC distribution of all streptococcal isolates between children and parents. All individuals were colonized by streptococci with azithromycin MICs greater than 0.25 mg l-1, and 87.5% of individuals had streptococci with MICs greater than 2 mg l-1.Interpretation. The most prevalent species identified in both age groups was S. mitis/oralis. All individuals harboured streptococci with macrolide resistance. This highlights the need for additional antimicrobial stewardship initiatives to reduce the consumption of macrolides in the general population.

Psychological Distress Changes During COVID-19: A Belgian Cohort Study On Psychosocial Factors

Abstract Longitudinal studies have identified an increase in psychological distress across the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the trajectories of mental health outcomes exhibit variations, suggesting potential associations with psychosocial individual factors. This paper identifies the factors of this individual trajectory of psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Five waves of a prospective cohort survey were conducted with a convenience sample of the general population in Belgium between March 2020 and November 2021 (n = 4,550). Psychological distress was measured using the GHQ-12. Individual covariates included socioeconomic factors (age, gender, level of education), psychological factors (loneliness, social support, and social activities), and factors related to the virus and the lockdown measures (exposure to COVID-19 and survey wave). Multilevel models were used for analysis. Women and young people experienced more pronounced fluctuations in their risk of psychological distress across study waves, experiencing both increases and decreases. We found that individual variance in psychological distress breaks down into two components, respectively 43% for psychosocial factors (time-invariant) and 57% for the survey waves (time-variant) variation. A significant share of the time-invariant difference in psychological distress over COVID-19 is associated with loneliness, social support, and social activities. Loneliness emerged as the most important interpersonal factor associated with psychological distress. The change in psychological distress was mainly associated with psychosocial factors rather than with pandemic-related dynamics (e.g. survey waves). These findings suggest that mitigation policies aiming at controlling the pandemic should focus more on addressing specific individual vulnerabilities rather than solely responding to the fluctuations within pandemic waves to decrease their detrimental impact on mental health.

Food insecurity and fruit and vegetable consumption in Belgium

Abstract Background Food insecurity is a substantial and growing concern in many high-income countries. Yet, representative data on the extent of the issue in the general Belgian population is lacking. This study aims to assess the extent of food insecurity in Belgium, identify those at risk of food insecurity, and explore the relationship between food insecurity and fruit and vegetable consumption. Methods We used data from the Belgian National Food Consumption Survey 2022-2023, a representative sample of the Belgian population aged 3 years and older (n = 2,800). Food insecurity was assessed using the 3 screening questions derived from the USDA Household Food Security Survey Module. Frequencies of fruit and vegetable consumption were obtained from a food propensity questionnaire. Prevalence of food insecurity was estimated using post-stratification weights. Logistic regression models were used to determine the association between frequency of fruit and vegetable consumption and food insecurity, adjusting for gender, household composition, educational attainment, and income. Results Preliminary results indicate that 12.6% of population experienced some form of food insecurity. Those who experienced food insecurity consumed fruit and vegetables less frequently than others, after adjustment for other socio-economic variables (ORs>4.00, p-values>0.05). Conclusions This study confirms that food insecurity is a substantial concern in Belgium. Food insecurity should be routinely monitored at the national level. Experiencing food insecurity appears to be negatively associated with the consumption of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables and thus with the overall quality of the diet. Further research should be supported to identify effective strategies to reduce food insecurity in Belgium. Policy attention should be given to ensure financial accessibility to healthy foods and their attractiveness, especially for people experiencing food insecurity. Key messages • Food insecurity is an major concern in Belgium and should be routinely monitored. • Financial accessibility to healthy foods should be improved, especially for those facing food insecurity.

Trauma Exposure, Social Support and Mental Health in the General Population in Belgium.

International research has shown that trauma exposure can lead to mental health disorders and affect social support. However, there is little insight into trauma exposure and its related issues in the general population of Belgium. Secondary cross-sectional data on the general adult population were retrieved from the Belgian Health Interview Survey. Using a representative sample, data were collected on trauma exposure in the past 12 months, and the disclosure of trauma, social support, depressive/anxiety symptoms and background factors were investigated. In total, 7728 participants were included in this study, and 4.8% (N = 369) reported trauma exposure within the past 12 months. People with trauma exposure (4.8%, N = 369) consistently had more anxiety and depressive symptoms than those without trauma (p < 0.001), and people with multiple trauma exposures had more symptoms than those with a single trauma (p < 0.001). Social support was observed to be lower among those with trauma exposure (p < 0.001), and 17.1% had never disclosed their trauma to anyone. Sexual violence was higher among women (64.5%) and was also the least disclosed form of trauma. Trauma exposure is associated with poorer mental health in Belgium. Around a fifth of those who experience trauma do not disclose their trauma, which is the most common after sexual violence.

Wording the trajectory of the three-year COVID-19 epidemic in a general population – Belgium

The trajectory of COVID-19 epidemic waves in the general population of Belgium was analysed by defining quantitative criteria for epidemic waves from March 2020 to early 2023. Peaks and starting/ending times characterised nine waves numerated I to IX based on the daily reported incidence number (symbol INCID) and three “endemic” interval periods between the first four waves. The SIR compartmental model was applied to the first epidemic wave by fitting the daily prevalence pool (symbol I) calculated as the sum of the daily incidence rate and estimated number of subjects still infectious from the previous days. The basic reproductive number R0 was calculated based on the exponential growth rate during the early phase and on medical literature knowledge of the time of generation of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The first COVID-19 wave was well fitted by an open SIR model. According to this approach, dampened recurrent epidemic waves evolving through an endemic state would have been expected. This was not the case with the subsequent epidemic waves being characterised by new variants of concern (VOC). Evidence-based observations: 1) each epidemic wave affected less than a fifth of the general population; 2) the Vth epidemic wave (VOC Omicron) presented the greatest amplitude. The lack of recurrence of the same VOC during successive epidemic waves strongly suggests that a VOC has a limited persistence, disappearing from the population well before the expected proportion of the theoretical susceptible cohort being maximally infected. Fitting the theoretical SIR model, a limited persistence of VOCs in a population could explain that new VOCs replace old ones, even if the new VOC has a lower transmission rate than the preceding one. In conclusion, acquisition of potential defective mutations in VOC during an epidemic wave is a potential factor explaining the absence of resurgence of a same VOC during successive waves. Such an hypothesis is open to discussion and to rebuttal. A modified SIR model with epidemic waves of variable amplitude related not only to R0 and public health measures but also to acquisition of defective fitting in virus within a population should be tested.

The evolution of the subjective well-being of the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic period: the case of Belgium

The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic period on a nation’s well-being remain inadequately understood, especially over time. Therefore, this research aims to map the changes in the subjective well-being (SWB) of the general Belgian adult population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyses of variances (ANOVA) were performed to evaluate the changes in SWB during the pandemic at five different time points during the period from February 2020 until December 2022 using repeated cross-sectional representative samples of the Belgian population. The differences over time in subjective well-being were investigated in terms of life evaluation, positive affect, and negative affect. The changes in autonomy, competence, relatedness, loneliness and peace of mind were also explored as explanatory variables. Moderation analyses were performed to investigate the differential changes in well-being for different age groups. Our results show the subjective well-being of the Belgian population decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, notably during the second lockdown and the fifth wave. Furthermore, younger individuals are significantly more susceptible to negative changes in well-being during the pandemic period. Finally, our results show that peace of mind is an important predictor of all SWB components during the pandemic. Based on these results several policy recommendations are formulated.

Smartphone-based atrial fibrillation screening in the general population: feasibility and impact on medical treatment.

The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility, detection rate, and therapeutic implications of large-scale smartphone-based screening for atrial fibrillation (AF). Subjects from the general population in Belgium were recruited through a media campaign to perform AF screening during 8 consecutive days with a smartphone application. The application analyses photoplethysmography traces with artificial intelligence and offline validation of suspected signals to detect AF. The impact of AF screening on medical therapy was measured through questionnaires. Atrial fibrillation was detected in the screened population (n = 60.629) in 791 subjects (1.3%). From this group, 55% responded to the questionnaire. Clinical AF [AF confirmed on a surface electrocardiogram (ECG)] was newly diagnosed in 60 individuals and triggered the initiation of anti-thrombotic therapy in 45%, adjustment of rate or rhythm controlling strategies in 62%, and risk factor management in 17%. In subjects diagnosed with known AF before screening, a positive screening result led to these therapy adjustments in 9%, 39%, and 11%, respectively. In all subjects with clinical AF and an indication for oral anti-coagulation (OAC), OAC uptake increased from 56% to 74% with AF screening. Subjects with clinical AF were older with more co-morbidities compared with subclinical AF (no surface ECG confirmation of AF) (P < 0.001). In subjects with subclinical AF (n = 202), therapy adjustments were performed in only 7%. Smartphone-based AF screening is feasible at large scale. Screening increased OAC uptake and impacted therapy of both new and previously diagnosed clinical AF but failed to impact risk factor management in subjects with subclinical AF.

Characteristics and associated factors of self-reported sexual aggression in the Belgian population aged 16–69

Sexual violence is a major public health, societal, and judicial problem worldwide. Studies investigating the characteristics of its perpetrators often rely on samples of convicted offenders, which are biased by low reporting and conviction rates. Based on a self-report study in the Belgian general population aged 16 to 69 (n = 4687), we provide lifetime and past-year prevalence rates of sexual aggression and report the characteristics of the events, including type, target, and the applied coercion strategies. Future research should use behaviourally specific questions that take the perpetrator’s perspective into account to limit interpretation ambiguity which could reduce unintentional non-disclosure of sexual aggression.

What helps define outcomes in persistent uninterpretable non-invasive prenatal testing: Maternal factors, fetal fraction or quality scores?

To assess maternal characteristics and comorbidities in patients with persistent uninterpretable non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) and to evaluate the association with adverse pregnancy outcome in a general risk population. A retrospective cohort study (July 2017-December 2020) was conducted of patients with persistent uninterpretable NIPT samples. Maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes were compared with the general Belgian obstetric population. Of the 148 patients with persistent uninterpretable NIPT, 37 cases were due to a low fetal fraction (LFF) and 111 due to a low quality score (LQS). Both groups (LFF, LQS) showed more obesity (60.6%, 42.4%), multiple pregnancies (18.9%, 4.5%) and more obstetrical complications. In the LQS group, a high rate of maternal auto-immune disorders (30.6%) was seen and hypertensive complications (17.6%), preterm birth (17.6%) and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (22%) were significantly increased. In the LFF group hypertensive complications (21.6%), gestational diabetes (20.6%), preterm birth (27%), SGA (25.6%), major congenital malformations (11.4%), c-section rate (51.4%) and NICU admission (34.9%) were significantly increased. Chromosomal abnormalities were not increased in both groups. Patients with persistent uninterpretable NIPT have significantly more maternal obesity, comorbidities and adverse pregnancy outcome than the general population and should receive high-risk pregnancy care. Distinguishing between LFF and LQS optimizes counseling because maternal characteristics and pregnancy outcome differ between these groups.

Release of silver and titanium from face masks traded for the general population

Previous assessments of a selection of face masks intended for the general population in Belgium found that silver (Ag)-based biocides were present in masks advertised for antimicrobial properties; whereas titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles were detected in all the face masks in at least one layer corroborating its widespread use in the textile industry. The presence of Ag-based biocides and TiO2 particles in face masks raised questions on the possibility of release under normal wearing conditions, which could potentially cause a health risk to the consumers. Direct measurement of release of Ag and TiO2 particles during normal wearing is problematic by the lack of methodology to test release and to quantify inhaled particles. Therefore in this study, we investigated leaching experiments using artificial acid sweat as a method to evaluate the release of Ag-based biocides and TiO2 particles present in face masks. Leaching experiments were proposed as an alternative method to evaluate the quality of face masks, and as a higher tier method to assess face masks that are not safe-by-design. Results from leaching experiments showed that Ag was released in amounts varying from 0.03 up to 36 % of total Ag content, in four out of the eight face masks that claimed antimicrobial properties and that contained Ag. The leaching data of titanium (Ti) showed that despite TiO2 being detected in all face masks, only in one mask Ti was measured in detectable concentrations in artificial sweat (0.35 % of total Ti content). Comparison of leachable Ag and Ti with respective acceptable exposure limit values derived from inhalation exposure limits indicate that three face masks would need further risk assessment and could not be considered as intrinsically safe.

P146 COVID-19 pandemic in the Belgian cystic fibrosis patients compared with the international cystic fibrosis patients and the general Belgian population

P146 COVID-19 pandemic in the Belgian cystic fibrosis patients compared with the international cystic fibrosis patients and the general Belgian population

Threat through the Screen? Association between Proximity and/or Watching Media Coverage of a Terrorist Attack and Health.

After terrorist attacks, media coverage of the attacks is extensive. There are some indications that there is an association between watching the media coverage and certain health reactions, both mental and somatic. Most studies occur in the United States and often months after the initial attack. In the current study, we investigated the terrorist attacks in Belgium on 22 March 2016. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted one week after the attacks among the general population of Belgium. We measured hours of media watching of the terrorist attacks (hereafter media watching), adjusted scales of the Patient Health Questionaire-4 (PHQ-4) to measure mental symptoms and the Patient Health Questionaire-15 (PHQ-15) to measure somatic symptoms, proximity to Brussels (home, work and overall proximity) and background factors such as gender, age and level of education. Respondents were included if they answered the survey between 29 March 2016 and 5 April 2016. A total of 2972 respondents were included. Overall, media watching was significantly associated with both mental symptoms (p < 0.001) and somatic symptoms (p < 0.001), while controlling for age, gender, level of education and proximity. Watching more than three hours of media was associated with more mental and somatic symptoms (p < 0.001). Compared to proximity, media watching was, in general, a better association. For geographical factors, watching more than three hours of media indicated equally high scores for mental symptoms and somatic symptoms as work proximity (p = 0.015) and overall proximity to the attacks (p = 0.024). Media-watching is associated with acute health reactions after terrorist attacks. However, the direction of the relationship is unclear, as it might also be that people with health issues seek out more media.

An EQ-5D-5L Value Set for Belgium.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to establish a Belgian EQ-5D-5L value set based on the preferences of the adult Belgian general population.MethodsThe most recent EuroQol Valuation Technology (EQ-VT 2.1) protocol for EQ-5D-5L valuation studies was followed. Computer-assisted personal interviews were carried out in a representative sample of the adult Belgian population. Potential respondents were randomly selected from the National Register using a multistage, stratified, cluster sampling with unequal probability design. Each respondent valued 10 or 11 health states using composite time trade-off (cTTO) and 14 health states in seven paired choice tasks using a discrete choice experiment (DCE). Different model specifications were explored and assessed based on logical consistency, goodness of fit, predictive accuracy and theoretical considerations.ResultsA total of 892 respondents were included in the analyses. The sample was representative of the Belgian adult population in terms of age, sex, region of residence, educational attainment, labour market status, self-assessed health status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The preferred model specification was a hybrid (DCE and cTTO data combined) multiplicative eight-coefficient model with intercept random effects and correction for heteroskedasticity. Values range from − 0.532 to 1. Loss of HRQoL is highest in the dimension pain/discomfort, closely followed by anxiety/depression.ConclusionsThis study developed a Belgian EQ-5D-5L value set, based on the preferences of the Belgian adult general population. It provides opportunities for future clinical and economic evaluations in healthcare, for the measurement of patient-reported outcomes and for population health assessments.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s41669-022-00353-3.

Clinically assessed and perceived unmet mental health needs, health care use and barriers to care for mental health problems in a Belgian general population sample

BackgroundMental health problems often remain undetected and untreated. Prior research suggests that this is mainly due to a lack of need-perception and attitudinal barriers. The aim of this study is to examine unmet mental health needs using both a clinically assessed and a self-perceived approach in a Belgian province.MethodsA cross-sectional survey study with a weighted representative sample of 1208 individuals aged 15 – 80 years old was carried out in 2021 in the province of Antwerp (Belgium). Mental health needs were defined as a positive symptom screening for depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-7) or alcohol abuse (AUDIT-C and CAGE), combined with experiencing significant dysfunction in daily life. Also 12-month health care use for mental health problems, self-perceived unmet mental health needs and reasons for not seeking (extra) help were assessed. Logistic regression analyses were used to explore the predictors of mental health problems, health care use, and objective and subjective unmet mental health needs.ResultsOne in five participants had a positive screening on one of the scales, of whom half experienced dysfunction, leading to a prevalence of 10.4% mental health needs. Among those, only half used health care for their mental health, resulting in a population prevalence of 5.5% clinically assessed unmet mental health needs. Fourteen percent of the total sample perceived an unmet mental health need. However, more women and younger people perceived unmet needs, while clinically assessed unmet needs were higher among men and older people. One in six of the total sample used health care for their mental health, most of whom did not have a clinically assessed mental health need. Motivational reasons were most often endorsed for not seeking any help, while a financial barrier was the most important reason for not seeking extra help.ConclusionsThe prevalence of unmet mental health needs is high. Assessed and perceived (unmet) mental health needs are both relevant and complementary, but are predicted by different factors. More research is needed on this discrepancy.

P-541 Prevalence of rare autosomal aneuploidies in pregnancies following assisted reproduction

Abstract Study question Is the prevalence of rare autosomal aneuploidies (RAA) at non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) higher in ART pregnancies compared to the general population? Summary answer At NIPT there is no higher prevalence of rare autosomal aneuploidies in ART pregnancies compared to the general population. What is known already Most IVF embryos contain mixtures of euploid and aneuploid cells. Despite the high prevalence of chromosomal mosaicism in embryos, its clinical implications are poorly understood. Chromosomal mosaicism doesn't seem to be preserved at later stages of prenatal and postnatal development, supported by the birth of children with normal karyotype following mosaic embryo transfer. Recently prospective non-selection PGT-A trials showed equivalent live-birth rates and miscarriage rates across euploid, low-grade mosaic and medium-grade mosaic embryos. However, close monitoring of mosaic embryo transfer may also be warranted due to the potential risk of true fetal mosaicism. Study design, size, duration Monocentric retrospective study. Power calculation is based on a prevalence of 0.23% of RAA at moment of NIPT in the general population. Sample sizes were calculated for detecting that the prevalence of RAAs in the ART cohort is higher compared to the overall population. For a power of 80% a sample size of 780 patients is necessary, to allow to conclude that the prevalence of RAAs is not higher than 1% in ART pregnancies. Participants/materials, setting, methods This trial was conducted at a tertiary care fertility center. We included all patients who had an IVF/ICSI treatment, without PGT-A, resulting in a pregnancy and had their NIPT done at the genetics department of our hospital between 01/07/2017 and the present. The data were compared to the Belgian national NIPT dataset, which included approximately 154K NIPT results from the general population. These are unique data due to the full reimbursement of NIPT. Main results and the role of chance Considering the high prevalence of (mosaic) aneuploidy in preimplantation embryos, we aimed to understand whether the use of assisted reproduction might imply a higher relative risk of RAAs in ART cohort. For our primary outcome comparative analysis revealed that the prevalence of RAA was 0.25% (2/804) in the ART group which was not significantly higher compared to 0.23% (350/153.575) in the general Belgian population, p = 0.89 (Chi square test). In addition, de novo segmental aberrations were also detected in two ART pregnancies (0.25%, 2/804), which is also comparable to the general population group (0,07%, 109/153.575, p = 0.06). Upon invasive follow up, none of RAAs or segmental aneuploidies were confirmed in the foetus, indicating confined placental mosaicism. Hence, our study allows to conclude that the prevalence of RAA at 12 weeks of gestation is not higher than 1% in the ART group and does not differ significantly compared to the general population. Limitations, reasons for caution With our data we have a sample size that allows us to conclude that the prevalence of RAA is not higher than 1% in the ART-group, which is highly clinically relevant. To conclude that the prevalence is equal to the general population (0.23%), a larger sample size would be needed. Wider implications of the findings Our observation that in ART pregnancies after IVF/ICSI without PGT-A the aneuploid embryos or aneuploid cells from mosaic embryos have disappeared already as early as 12 weeks of gestation development, supports the idea that transfer of putative mosaic embryos is not associated with a higher risk of adverse prenatal outcome. Trial registration number s66257

The psychology of kink: A survey study investigating stigma and psychological mechanisms in BDSM

IntroductionThe past years BDSM (an acronym for bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadism and masochism) has gained a significant amount of attention and popularity in the general population, portraying an inaccurate image of BDSM and the people who share these interests. Yet despite this increasing popularity, only little empirical research has focused on this subject and it’s possible driving mechanisms so far, sustaining the existing misconceptions and stigma towards BDSM in general and BDSM practitioners in specific.ObjectivesWe aimed to gain more insights on understanding the underlying psychological mechanisms, such as sensation seeking and coping, in people who participate in BDSM-related activities, as well as into the factors which contribute to the existing stigma and discriminationMethodsIn a national survey study 256 Dutch-speaking BDSM-practitioners were compared to a matched sample of people from the general Belgian population (N = 300) who lack any interest in BDSM in two separate studies.ResultsAbout 86% of the general population maintained stigmatizing beliefs about these sexual interests and practices. In regard to sensation seeking and coping, compared to controls, BDSM practitioners reported signifcantly higher levels of sensation seeking for all dimensions, as well as the use of more active coping skills.ConclusionsPeople who do not conform to the current social standards of our society often seem to remain the subject of stigmatization and discrimination. Further research is needed to explore the psychological processes that drive BDSM interests in order to destigmatize and normalize consensual BDSM-related activities.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Low Macrolide and Fluoroquinolone Susceptibility in Non-pathogenic Neisseriae in the General Belgian Population and STI Clinic Attendees

Low Macrolide and Fluoroquinolone Susceptibility in Non-pathogenic Neisseriae in the General Belgian Population and STI Clinic Attendees

Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Health during Lockdown of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: This study took place in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The present research assesses the association between lockdown conditions (such as time spent at home, living environment, proximity to contamination and social contacts), mental health (including intolerance of uncertainty, anxiety and depression) and intimate partner violence within the community. This study evaluates the indirect effect of anxiety and depression on the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and intimate partner violence (physical assault and psychological aggression). Methods: 1532 adults (80.8% of women, Mage = 35.34) were recruited from the Belgian general population through an online self-report questionnaire completed during the lockdown (from April 17 to 1 May 2020). Results: The results demonstrate that the prevalence of physical assault (including both perpetration and victimization) was significantly higher in men, whereas the prevalence of psychological aggression was significantly higher in women. Men reported significantly more violence during lockdown. Women, on the other hand, were more anxious and more intolerant of uncertainty. No difference between men and women was found for depression. Anxiety and depression significantly mediated the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and physical assault and psychological aggression. Sex did not moderate the mediation. Conclusion: Clinical implications for public health policy are highlighted.

Enthusiasm, concern and ambivalence in the Belgian public's attitude towards in-vitro gametogenesis.

Given the controversial nature of research into in-vitro gametogenesis (IVG), this study set out to investigate the current attitudes towards IVG in the general Belgian population in order to anticipate potential future barriers and misunderstandings. A questionnaire was developed and incorporated into a web-based online survey and sent out to Belgians aged ≥ 18 years in September 2018 until a representative sample (by age, gender and region) of 1000 participants was reached. Respondents expressed an overall positive attitude towards IVG and its possible future applications, with the exception of the use of IVG in postmenopausal women. They were ambivalent about the importance of genetic parenthood and about the necessary experiments on animals and embryos to bring IVG to the clinic. While the willingness to accept greater risks for IVG than for other assisted reproductive technology treatments was low (17.5%), the use of spare in-vitro fertilization embryos to study those risks was acceptable for 55.8% of participants; embryo creation was acceptable for 38.1%; and experiments on mice and monkeys were acceptable for 45.3% and 30.4%, respectively. Finally, 85.6% of participants agreed that the Belgian Government should strictly regulate IVG. In conclusion, preclinical research into IVG and other reproductive technologies elicits a great diversity of attitudes towards the importance of genetic parenthood and the acceptability of embryo and animal research. There is a need for public dialogue on these topics.

Several low back pain‐related misbeliefs are still around in 2020: A cross‐sectional survey in Belgium

AbstractBackground and purposeLow back pain (LBP)‐related misbeliefs are known to be among risk factors for LBP chronification and for persistence of chronic pain. The main objective of this study was to investigate the current LBP‐related beliefs in the general population in Belgium, considering the fact that the last survey in Belgium about the topic was conducted more than 15 years ago.MethodsA cross‐sectional study design was used. Belgian adults (&gt;17 years old) were recruited in the three regions of the country by means of non‐probabilistic recruitment methods. Participants were invited to fill in a battery of questionnaires including demographic questions as well as questions about their LBP history and the LBP Beliefs Questionnaire (LBPBQ).ResultsA total of 3724 individuals participated in the study. The LBPBQ scores indicated several LBP‐related misbeliefs. About 15%–25% of participants still think that imaging tests can always identify the cause of pain and that bed rest is the mainstay of therapy. The majority of the participants think that “unnecessary” movements should be avoided when having LBP (58% of the respondents), and that they should “take it easy” until the pain goes away (69%). Most respondents also had maladaptive/wrong expectations, for example, a systematic worsening with time (65%) and a need for surgery in case of disc herniation (54%).ConclusionsThe present study suggests that in 2020 several LBP‐related misbeliefs are still current in Belgium, particularly regarding the vulnerability of the spine. Therefore, further efforts to improve LBP‐related beliefs/knowledge in the general population are necessary.