Known to be positive but not in care: A pilot study from Thailand

Abstract

This study was designed to describe persons with HIV/ AIDS (PWHAs) in Thailand who have not disclosed their HIV status to the government HIV clinics to receive medical care. Objectives were to (1) demonstrate a way to access these persons, and (2) describe their characteristics, HIV status, reasons for nondisclosure, and problems related to their self-care. Two nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) serving the nonmedical needs of PWHAs were used. In all, 22 PWHAs participated. Approximately 80% have known their HIV status for more than 1 year and 30% for more than 5 years. Almost 60% currently used recreational drugs. Reasons for not disclosing their HIV status included that they were still healthy (81.8%) and worried about stigma (77.3%). Two thirds will disclose when a serious problem occurs. This study demonstrates that this population can be accessed and studied through NGOs and that this population differs slightly from PWHAs in Thailand studied at initiation of medical care. © 2009 The Author(s).