Outreach strategies to promote HIV testing and linkage-to-care focusing on a young sexual and gender-diverse population in Bangkok, Thailand.

INTRODUCTION: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevalence among young gender-diverse (a wide range of gender identities for people whose gender identity is different from the sex that they were assigned at birth) individuals is high but testing coverage among this key population remains low. We aim to evaluate strategies for outreach, HIV testing, and linkage to proper management in young men-who-have-had-sex-with-men (MSM, homosexual male) and transgender women (TGW) in Bangkok, Thailand. METHODS: The "YM2M outreach program" consisted of two strategies: 1) online platforms (OP) and 2) physical outreach activities (POA). Participant questionnaires were completed on a voluntary basis during outreach activities during 2018-2021. Demographic and behavioral characteristics were assessed for association with HIV positivity. RESULTS: A total of 3,972 homosexual male and TGW participated in the YM2M program: 2,973 by OP and 999 by POA. Of 2,230 participants who reported gender identity, 603/1,392 (43.3%) of OP and 252/985 (25.6%) of POA were gender diverse. Of 631 (21.2%) participants in OP and 970 (97.1%) in POA who underwent testing, 286 (45.3%) in OP and 41 (4.2%) in POA were HIV-positive. The venue reporting highest HIV yield was the Mor-Lam (11.5%). Among those with an HIV-positive test, 175 (61.2%) from OP and 23 (51.1%) from POA were successfully linked to HIV care. The independent factors associated with HIV positive in OP were being youth (adjusted odd ratio (aOR), 0.37; 95%CI 0.16-0.81; P = 0.01) and suspected or confirmed STI (aOR 15.39; 95%CI 7.17-33.03, P<0.01); while those in in POA at Mor-Lam were being gender diverse (aOR, 8.43; 95%CI 1.94-36.62; P<0.01) and reactive syphilis test (aOR, 5.40;95%CI 2.45-11.88; P<0.01). Linkage to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) among HIV-negative participants was low, 4.9% and 2.6% in OP and POA participants, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: While uptake of HIV testing was higher in POA while OP was more effective in identifying undiagnosed people living with HIV/AIDS and linking them to care. Neither strategy was considered effective in linkage to PrEP.

A focused multi-state model to estimate the pediatric and adolescent HIV epidemic in Thailand, 2005-2025.

BACKGROUND: We estimated the magnitude of the HIV epidemic among children and youth living with HIV (CYHIV) aged 0-25 years in Thailand, projecting forward from 2005 to 2025, and identified underreported input parameters that influence epidemic projections, in order to inform future public health and research priorities. METHODS: We developed a focused multi-state transition model incorporating perinatally-acquired HIV and non-perinatally-acquired HIV, stratified by population, including men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), people who inject drugs (PWID), and the remainder of the population ("other"). We populated the model with published and programmatic data from the Thai national AIDS program when available. We projected the period from 2005-2025 and compared model results to programmatic data and projections from other models. In a scenario analysis, we projected the potential impact of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for MSM from 2018-2025. RESULTS: The initial 2005 cohort was comprised of 66,900 CYHIV; 8% CYHIV were <5 years, 21% were 5-14 years, and 71% were 15-25 years of age. By 2020, 94% were projected to be >15 years and infections among MSM constituted 83% of all new HIV infections. The numbers of CYHIV decreased over time, projected to reach 30,760 by 2020 (-54%) and 22,640 by 2025 (-66%). The proportion of all CYHIV aged 0-25 who were diagnosed and on ART increased from 37 to 60% over the 2005-2025 period. Projections were sensitive to variations in assumptions about initial HIV prevalence and incidence among MSM, PWID, and "other" youth. CONCLUSIONS: More data on incidence rates among sexual and gender minority youth and PWID are needed to characterize the role of specific exposures and key populations in the adolescent HIV epidemic. More accurate estimates will project shifts in population and inform more targeted interventions to prevent and care for Thai CYHIV.

Lessons Learned from Programmatic Gains in HIV Service Delivery During the COVID-19 Pandemic - 41 PEPFAR-Supported Countries, 2020.

The U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) supports country programs in identifying persons living with HIV infection (PLHIV), providing life-saving treatment, and reducing the spread of HIV in countries around the world (1,2). CDC used Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting (MER) data* to assess the extent to which COVID-19 mitigation strategies affected HIV service delivery across the HIV care continuum† globally during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Indicators included the number of reported HIV-positive test results, the number of PLHIV who were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), and the rates of HIV viral load suppression. Percent change in performance was assessed between countries during the first 3 months of 2020, before COVID-19 mitigation efforts began (January-March 2020), and the last 3 months of the calendar year (October-December 2020). Data were reviewed for all 41 countries to assess total and country-level percent change for each indicator. Then, qualitative data were reviewed among countries in the upper quartile to assess specific strategies that contributed to programmatic gains. Overall, positive percent change was observed in PEPFAR-supported countries in HIV treatment (5%) and viral load suppression (2%) during 2020. Countries reporting the highest gains across the HIV care continuum during 2020 attributed successes to reducing or streamlining facility attendance through strategies such as enhancing index testing (offering of testing to the biologic children and partners of PLHIV)§ and community- and home-based testing; treatment delivery approaches; and improvements in data use through monitoring activities, systems, and data quality checks. Countries that reported program improvements during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic offer important information about how lifesaving HIV treatment might be provided during a global public health crisis.

Implementation of an active case management network to identify HIV-positive infants and accelerate the initiation of antiretroviral therapy, Thailand 2015 to 2018.

INTRODUCTION: Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) can reduce HIV-related morbidity and mortality in HIV-positive infants. We implemented an Active Case Management Network to promote early ART initiation Aiming for Cure (ACC) in August 2014. We describe ACC implementation, early infant diagnosis (EID) coverage and ART initiation during August 2014 to July 2018 compared with a national EID survey during October 2007 to September 2011 (pre-ACC). METHODS: Thailand's 2014 HIV Treatment Guidelines recommend that HIV-exposed infants have HIV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing at birth, one month and at two to four months. Testing is done at 14 national HIV PCR laboratories. When an HIV-positive infant (HIV PCR+) is identified, PCR laboratory staff send the result to the hospital staff responsible for the infant's care and to the national laboratory case manager (CM). As part of ACC, the national laboratory CM alerts a regional CM who contacts the hospital staff caring for the infant to offer technical support with ART initiation and ART adherence. CMs enter clinical, demographic and laboratory data into the national ACC database. We analysed the ACC data from August 2014 to July 2018 to assess the ACC's impact on EID coverage, ART initiation and time-to-ART initiation. RESULTS: The uptake of EID increased from 64% (pre-ACC) to >95% in 2018 (ACC). The number of HIV-positive infants born declined from 429 cases (pre-ACC) to 267 cases (ACC). Median age at the first-positive PCR declined from 75 days (pre-ACC) to 60 days (ACC); P < 0.001. Among 429 infants diagnosed before ACC was started, 241 (56%) received ART; during ACC, 235 (88%) of 267 HIV-positive infants received ART. The median age at ART initiation declined from 282 days before ACC to 83 days during ACC (P < 0.001) and the median time from blood collection to ART initiation declined from 168 days before ACC to 23 days during ACC (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: An innovative case management network (ACC) has been established in Thailand and results suggest that the network is promoting EID and early ART initiation. The ACC model, using case-managed PCR notification and follow-up, may speed ART initiation in other settings.

The Happy Teen programme: a holistic outpatient clinic-based approach to prepare HIV-infected youth for the transition from paediatric to adult medical care services in Thailand.

INTRODUCTION: We developed an 18-month Happy Teen 2 (HT2) programme comprised of a one-day workshop, two half-day sessions, and three individual sessions to prepare HIV-infected youth for the transition from paediatric to adult HIV care services. We describe the programme and evaluate the change in youth's knowledge scores. METHODS: We implemented the HT2 programme among HIV-infected Thai youth aged 14-22 years who were aware of their HIV status and receiving care at two hospitals in Bangkok (Siriraj Hospital, Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health [QSNICH]). Staff interviewed youth using a standardized questionnaire to assess HIV and health-related knowledge at baseline and at 12 and 18 months while they participated in the programme. We examined factors associated with a composite knowledge score ≥95% at month 18 using logistic regression. RESULTS: During March 2014-July 2016, 192 of 245 (78%) eligible youth were interviewed at baseline. Of these, 161 (84%) returned for interviews at 12 and 18 months. Among the 161 youth, the median age was 17 years, 74 (46%) were female, and 99% were receiving antiretroviral treatment. The median composite score was 45% at baseline and increased to 82% at 12 months and 95% at 18 months (P < 0.001). The range of median knowledge scores for antiretroviral management, HIV monitoring, HIV services, and family planning significantly increased from baseline (range 0-75%) to (range 67-100%) at 12 months and to 100% at 18 months (P < 0.001). Almost all youth were able to describe education and career goals at 12 and 18 months compared to 75% at baseline. In multivariable analysis, a composite knowledge score at 18 months >95% was associated with education level >high school (aOR: 2.15, 95%CI, 1.03-4.48) and receipt care at QSNICH (aOR: 2.43, 95%CI, 1.18-4.98). Youth whose mother and father had died were less likely to have score ≥95% (aOR: 0.22, 95%CI, 0.07-0.67) than those with living parents. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge useful for a successful transition from paediatric to adult HIV care increased among youth participating in the HT2 programme. Youth follow-up will continue to assess the impact of improved knowledge on outcomes following the transition to adult care services.

Implementation and assessment of a prevention with positives intervention among people living with HIV at five hospitals in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: We implemented a hospital-based prevention with positives (PwP) intervention among people living with HIV (PLHIV) that included HIV transmission risk screening, short HIV prevention messages, family planning, HIV disclosure counseling, and partner HIV testing at five hospitals in Thailand. We assessed changes in sexual risk behaviors among PLHIV who received the PwP services at the hospitals. METHODS: From January 2008-March 2009, we systematically selected a subset of PLHIV receiving care at the five hospitals to offer participation in the PwP intervention. We collected demographic, risk behavior, and laboratory data using a standardized questionnaire. We analyzed data from PLHIV who completed at least four visits, using generalized estimating equations to identify baseline participant characteristics that were associated with adopting sexual practices less likely to be associated with HIV transmission during follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 830 PLHIV were interviewed and 756 (91.1%) completed four visits. The median age of these 756 participants was 37 years, 400 (52.9%) were women, and 475 (62.8%) had a steady partner. At baseline, 353 (74.3%) of the steady partners had been tested for HIV and 132 (37.4%) had tested negative. Among the 756 PLHIV, 427 (56.5%) reported having sex in the 3 months before enrollment and 413 (54.6%) in the 3 months before the fourth visit. The proportion reporting having vaginal or anal sex without a condom decreased from 20.8% at baseline to 5.1% at the fourth visit (p<0.001). Factors associated (p<0.05) with abstinence or 100% condom use at follow-up visits included: completing ≥ two visits, being diagnosed with HIV for longer than 3 months, and receiving HIV prevention messages from a doctor (versus a nurse or counselor). CONCLUSION: Safe sex behaviors increased among PLHIV receiving PwP services, suggesting that expansion of hospital-based PwP services may reduce the number of new HIV infections in Thailand.

Thai national guidelines for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus 2017.

BACKGROUND: Thailand has made progress in reducing perinatal HIV transmission rates to levels that meet the World Health Organization targets for so-called "elimination" (<2%) of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). OBJECTIVES: To highlight the Thailand National Guidelines on HIV/AIDS Treatment Prevention Working Group issued a new version of its National Prevention of MTCT guidelines in March 2017 aimed to reduce MTCT rate to <1% by 2020. DISCUSSION OF GUIDELINES: The guidelines include recommending initiation of antepartum antiretroviral therapy (ART) containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) plus lamivudine (3TC)/emtricitabine (FTC) plus efavirenz regardless of CD4 cell count as soon as HIV is diagnosed for ART naïve HIV-infected pregnant women. An alternative regimen is TDF or zidovudine (AZT) plus 3TC/FTC plus lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) for HIV-infected pregnant women suspected resistant to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Treatment should be started immediately irrespective of gestational age and continued after delivery for life. Raltegravir is recommended in addition to the ART regimen for HIV-infected pregnant women who present late (gestational age (GA) ≥32 weeks) or those who have a viral load (VL) >1000 copies/mL at GA ≥32 weeks. HIV-infected pregnant women who conceive while receiving ART should continue their treatment regimen during pregnancy. HIV-infected pregnant women who present in labor and are not receiving ART should receive single-dose nevirapine immediately along with oral AZT, and continue ART for life. Infants born to HIV-infected mothers are categorized as high or standard risk for MTCT. High MTCT risk is defined as an infant whose mother has a viral load (VL) > 50 copies/mL at GA > 36 weeks or has received ART <12 weeks before delivery, or has poor ART adherence. These infants should be started on AZT plus 3TC plus NVP for 6 weeks after delivery. Infants with standard MTCT risk should receive AZT for 4 weeks. Formula feeding exclusively is recommended for all HIV-exposed infants.

Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV - Thailand.

Thailand experienced a generalized human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic during the 1990s. HIV prevalence among pregnant women was 2.0% and the mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) rate was >20% (1-3). In June 2016, Thailand became the first country in Asia to validate the elimination of MTCT by meeting World Health Organization (WHO) targets. Because Thailand's experience implementing a successful prevention of MTCT program might be instructive for other countries, Thailand's prevention of MTCT interventions, outcomes, factors that contributed to success, and challenges that remain were reviewed. Thailand's national prevention of MTCT program has evolved with prevention science from national implementation of short course zidovudine (AZT) in 2000 to lifelong highly active antiretroviral therapy regardless of CD4 count (WHO option B+) in 2014 (1). By 2015, HIV prevalence among pregnant women had decreased to 0.6% and the MTCT rate to 1.9% (the elimination of MTCT target is <2% for nonbreastfeeding populations) (4). A strong public health infrastructure, committed political leadership, government funding, engagement of multiple partners, and a robust monitoring system allowed Thailand to achieve this important public health milestone.

Uptake of early infant diagnosis in Thailand's national program for preventing mother-to-child HIV transmission and linkage to care, 2008-2011.

INTRODUCTION: Early infant diagnosis (EID) has been a component of Thailand's prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) programme since 2007. This study assessed the uptake, EID coverage, proportion of HIV-exposed infants receiving a definitive HIV diagnosis, mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) rates and linkage to HIV care and treatment. METHODS: Infant polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing data from the National AIDS Program database were analyzed. EID coverage was calculated as the percentage of number of HIV-exposed infants receiving ≥ 1 HIV PCR test divided by the number of HIV-exposed infants estimated from HIV prevalence and live-birth registry data. Definitive HIV diagnosis was defined as having two concordant PCR results. MTCT rates were calculated based on infants tested with PCR and applied as a best-case scenario, and a sensitivity analysis was used to adjust these rates in average and worst scenarios. We defined linkage to HIV care as infants with at least one PCR-positive test who were registered with Thailand's National AIDS Program. Chi-squared tests for linear trend were used to analyze changes in programme coverage. RESULTS: For 2008 to 2011, the average EID coverage rate increased from 54 to 76% (p < 0.001), with 65% coverage (13,761/21,099) overall. The number of hospitals submitting EID samples increased from 458 to 645, and the percentage of community hospitals submitting samples increased from 75 to 78% (p = 0.044). A definitive HIV diagnosis was made for 10,854 (79%) infants during this period. The adjusted MTCT rates had significantly decreasing trends in all scenarios. Overall, an estimated 53% (429/804) of HIV-infected infants were identified through the EID programme, and 80% (341/429) of infants testing positive were linked to care. The overall rate of antiretroviral treatment (ART) initiation within one year of age was 37% (157/429), with an increasing trend from 28 to 52% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: EID coverage increased and MTCT rates decreased during 2008 to 2011; however, about half of HIV-infected infants still did not receive EID. Most HIV-infected infants were linked to care but less than half initiated ART within one year of age. Active follow-up of HIV-exposed infants to increase early detection of HIV infection and early initiation of ART should be more widely implemented.

Dual contraceptive method use and pregnancy intention among people living with HIV receiving HIV care at six hospitals in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Describe dual contraceptive method use and the intention to become pregnant of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and their partners in Thailand. METHODS: From January 2008-March 2009, we systematically selected a cohort of PLHIV from PLHIV seeking care at five tertiary care hospitals and one community hospital to complete a questionnaire assessing sexual activity, intention to become pregnant, and contraceptive practices at baseline and 12 months after enrollment. Participants received short family planning messages every 2-3 months to promote the use of dual contraceptives and were offered family planning services. RESULTS: A total of 1,388 PLHIV enrolled, their median age was 37 years (IQR 33-43), 898 (64.7%) had a steady partner, and 737 (53.1%) were male. Among those with a steady partner, 862 (96.0%) did not intend to become pregnant; 709 (82.3%) had sex during the previous 3 months, 683 (96.3%) used at least one contraceptive method, and 202 (29.6%) used dual contraceptive methods. Of the 317 PLHIV who used a single contraceptive method at baseline, 66 (20.8%) reported using dual methods at 12 months. Participants at two tertiary care hospitals where coordinators facilitated PLHIV referral between HIV and OB/GYN clinics were more likely than participants at the other hospitals to change from single method to dual method (p ≤ 0.03). CONCLUSION: Few PLHIV in this study intended to become pregnant; however, only one-fourth used dual contraceptive methods. Integrating an assessment of the intention to become pregnant and strengthening the PLHIV referral systems in family planning services may contribute to higher rates of dual contraceptive use.

Outcomes of a Comprehensive Youth Program for HIV-infected Adolescents in Thailand.

We developed an intervention program for HIV-infected Thai adolescents with two group sessions and two individual sessions, focusing on four strategies: health knowledge, coping skills, sexual risk reduction, and life goals. An audio computer-assisted self-interview (ACASI) was administered to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding antiretroviral therapy management, reproductive health, and HIV-associated risk behavior. The program was implemented in two HIV clinics; 165 (84%) adolescents (intervention group) participated in the program; 32 (16%) completed the ACASI without participating in the group or individual sessions (nonintervention group). The median age was 14 years, and 56% were female. Baseline KAP scores of the intervention and nonintervention groups were similar. Two months after the intervention, knowledge and attitude scores increased (p < .01) in the intervention group, and the increase was sustained at 6 months. KAP scores did not change from baseline in the nonintervention group at 6 or 12 months after enrollment.

Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antiretroviral management, reproductive health, sexually transmitted infections, and sexual risk behavior among perinatally HIV-infected youth in Thailand.

More than 30% of perinatally HIV-infected children in Thailand are 12 years and older. As these youth become sexually active, there is a risk that they will transmit HIV to their partners. Data on the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of HIV-infected youth in Thailand are limited. Therefore, we assessed the KAP of perinatally HIV-infected youth and youth reporting sexual risk behaviors receiving care at two tertiary care hospitals in Bangkok, Thailand and living in an orphanage in Lopburi, Thailand. From October 2010 to July 2011, 197 HIV-infected youth completed an audio computer-assisted self-interview to assess their KAP regarding antiretroviral (ARV) management, reproductive health, sexual risk behaviors, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A majority of youth in this study correctly answered questions about HIV transmission and prevention and the importance of taking ARVs regularly. More than half of the youth in this study demonstrated a lack of family planning, reproductive health, and STI knowledge. Girls had more appropriate attitudes toward safe sex and risk behaviors than boys. Although only 5% of the youth reported that they had engaged in sexual intercourse, about a third reported sexual risk behaviors (e.g., having or kissing boy/girlfriend or consuming an alcoholic beverage). We found low condom use and other family planning practices, increasing the risk of HIV and/or STI transmission to sexual partners. Additional resources are needed to improve reproductive health knowledge and reduce risk behavior among HIV-infected youth in Thailand.

Assessment of a couples HIV counseling and testing program for pregnant women and their partners in antenatal care (ANC) in 7 provinces, Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Couples HIV testing and counseling (CHTC) at antenatal care (ANC) settings allows pregnant women to learn the HIV status of themselves and their partners. Couples can make decisions together to prevent HIV transmission. In Thailand, men were tested at ANC settings only if their pregnant partners were HIV positive. A CHTC program based in ANC settings was developed and implemented at 16 pilot hospitals in 7 provinces during 2009-2010. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were collected using standard data collection forms from all pregnant women and accompanying partners who presented at first ANC visit at 16 hospitals. CHTC data for women and partners were analyzed to determine service uptake and HIV test results among couples. In-depth interviews were conducted among hospital staff of participating hospitals during field supervision visits to assess feasibility and acceptability of CHTC services. RESULTS: During October 2009-April 2010, 4,524 women initiating ANC were enrolled. Of these, 2,435 (54%) women came for ANC alone; 2,089 (46%) came with partners. Among men presenting with partners, 2,003 (96%) received couples counseling. Of these, 1,723 (86%) men and all pregnant women accepted HIV testing. Among 1,723 couples testing for HIV, 1,604 (93%) returned for test results. Of these, 1,567 (98%) were concordant negative, 6 (0.4%) were concordant positive and 17 (1%) were HIV discordant (7 male+/female- and 10 male-/female+). Nine of ten (90%) executive hospital staff reported high acceptability of CHTC services. CONCLUSIONS: CHTC implemented in ANC settings helps identify more HIV-positive men whose partners were negative than previous practice, with high acceptability among hospital staff.

Sexually transmitted infections among HIV-infected women in Thailand.

BACKGROUND: Data on sexually transmitted infections (STI) prevalence among HIV-infected women in Thailand are limited. We studied, among HIV-infected women, prevalence of STI symptoms and signs; prevalence and correlates of having any STI; prevalence and correlates of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) or Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) among women without CT and/or GC symptoms or signs; and number of women without CT and/or GC symptoms or signs needed to screen (NNS) to detect one woman with CT and/or GC overall, among pregnant women, and among women ≤25 years. METHODS: During October 2004-September 2006, HIV-infected women at 3 obstetrics and gynecology clinics were asked about sexual behaviors and STI symptoms, physically examined, and screened for chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify correlates of infections. NNS was calculated using standard methods. RESULTS: Among 1,124 women, 526 (47.0%) had STI symptoms or signs, 469 (41.7%) had CT and/or GC symptoms or signs, and 133 (11.8%) had an STI. Correlates of having an STI included pregnancy and having STI signs. Among 469 women and 655 women with vs. without CT and/or GC symptoms or signs, respectively, 43 (9.2%) vs. 31 (4.7%), 2 (0.4%) vs. 9 (1.4%), and 45 (9.6%) vs. 38 (5.8%) had CT, GC, or "CT or GC", respectively; correlates included receiving care at university hospitals and having sex with a casual partner within 3 months. NNS for women overall and women ≤25 years old were 18 (95% CI, 13-25) and 11 (95% CI, 6-23), respectively; and for pregnant and non-pregnant women, 8 (95% CI, 4-24) and 19 (95% CI, 14-27), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: STI prevalence among HIV-infected women, including CT and GC among those without symptoms or signs, was substantial. Screening for CT and GC, particularly for pregnant women, should be considered.

Compliance with and outcomes of CD4-based national guidelines for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV for Thailand, 2006-2007.

The 2006 Thailand national prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) guidelines recommended antiretroviral (ARV) regimen use during antenatal care (ANC) be based on CD4 results: highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) should be used for a CD4 < 200 cells/mm(3) and zidovudine/single-dose nevirapine should be used for a CD4 count > or = 200 cell/mm(3). We evaluated compliance with and outcomes of these guidelines. We conducted a retrospective chart review of HIV-infected women and their infants born during October 2006 - December 2007 at 27 hospitals in 11 provinces of Thailand. The infant HIV-infection status was determined using laboratory test results and death reports. Mother-infant pairs were classified as fully, partially, or non-compliant with PMTCT guidelines based on CD4 testing history and ARV received. Factors associated with compliance were analyzed using univariate and multivariate generalized estimating equations (GEE). Among 875 mother-infant pairs reviewed, 387 mothers (44%) had ANC CD4 testing done, of whom 75 (19%) had a CD4 count < 200 cells/mm(3). Proportions of pairs fully, partially and non-compliant with guidelines were 38, 34 and 28%, respectively. A definitive infant HIV-infection status was determined in 578 infants (66%). The overall mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) rate was 5.1% [95% confidence interval (95%(CI): 3.8-6.9] and the MTCT rates for the fully, partially and non-compliant groups were 1.2% (95% CI: 0.4-3.3), 6.0% (95% CI: 3.7-9.5) and 9.5% (95% CI: 6.2-14.0; p<0.001). Factors associated with compliance were: have ANC, awareness of the mothers' HIV status before delivery, and having first ANC prior to 24 weeks gestation. Compliance with the 2006 national PMTCT guidelines was low, and the MTCT rates were high among non- and partially compliant mother-infant pairs. The simplified PMTCT guidellines introduced in 2010, might increase compliance with and improve outcomes for Thailand's PMTCT program.

Successful clinical outcomes following decentralization of tertiary paediatric HIV care to a community-based paediatric antiretroviral treatment network, Chiangrai, Thailand, 2002 to 2008.

INTRODUCTION: Most paediatric antiretroviral treatments (ARTs) in Thailand are limited to tertiary care hospitals. To decentralize paediatric HIV treatment and care, Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital (CRH) strengthened a provincial paediatric HIV care network by training community hospital (CH) care teams to receive referrals of children for community follow-up. In this study, we assessed factors associated with death and clinical outcomes of HIV-infected children who received care at CRH and CHs after implementation of a community-based paediatric HIV care network. METHODS: Clinical records were abstracted for all children who initiated ART at CRH. Paired Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to assess CD4% and virological change among all children. Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess factors associated with death. Treatment outcomes (CD4%, viral load (VL) and weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ)) were compared between CRH and CH children who met the criteria for analysis. RESULTS: Between February 2002 and April 2008, 423 HIV-infected children initiated ART and 410 included in the cohort analysis. Median follow-up for the cohort was 28 months (interquartile range (IQR)=12 to 42); 169 (41%) children were referred for follow-up at CH. As of 31 March 2008, 42 (10%) children had died. Baseline WAZ (< -2 (p=0.001)) and baseline CD4% (<5% (p=0.015)) were independently associated with death. At 48 months, 86% of ART-naïve children in follow-up had VL<400 copies/ml. For sub-group analysis, 133 children at CRH and 154 at CHs were included for comparison. Median baseline WAZ was lower in CH children than in CRH children (p=0.001); in both groups, WAZ, CD4% and VL improved after ART with no difference in rate of WAZ and CD4% gain (p=0.421 and 0.207, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Children at CHs had more severe immunological suppression and low WAZ at baseline. Community- and tertiary care-based paediatric ART follow-ups result in equally beneficial outcomes with the strengthening of a provincial referral network between tertiary and community care. Nutrition interventions may benefit children in community-based HIV treatment and care.

HIVQUAL-T: monitoring and improving HIV clinical care in Thailand, 2002-08.

OBJECTIVE: We report experience of HIVQUAL-T implementation in Thailand. DESIGN: Program evaluation. SETTING: Twelve government hospital clinics. PARTICIPANTS: People living with HIV/AIDS (PLHAs) aged ≥15 years with two or more visits to the hospitals during 2002-08. INTERVENTION: HIVQUAL-T is a process for HIV care performance measurement (PM) and quality improvement (QI). The program includes PM using a sample of eligible cases and establishment of a locally led QI infrastructure and process. PM indicators are based on Thai national HIV care guidelines. QI projects address needs identified through PM; regional workshops facilitate peer learning. Annual benchmarking with repeat measurement is used to monitor progress. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Percentages of eligible cases receiving various HIV services. RESULTS: Across 12 participating hospitals, HIV care caseloads were 4855 in 2002 and 13 887 in 2008. On average, 10-15% of cases were included in the PM sample. Percentages of eligible cases receiving CD4 testing in 2002 and 2008, respectively, were 24 and 99% (P< 0.001); for ARV treatment, 100 and 90% (P= 0.74); for Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia prophylaxis, 94 and 93% (P= 0.95); for Papanicolau smear, 0 and 67% (P< 0.001); for syphilis screening, 0 and 94% (P< 0.001); and for tuberculosis screening, 24 and 99% (P< 0.01). PM results contributed to local QI projects and national policy changes. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitals participating in HIVQUAL-T significantly increased their performance in several fundamental areas of HIV care linked to health outcomes for PLHA. This model of PM-QI has improved clinical care and implementation of HIV guidelines in hospital-based clinics in Thailand.

HIV risk behavior among HIV-infected men who have sex with men in Bangkok, Thailand.

We assessed prevalence of sexually transmitted infection (STIs), sexual risk behaviors, and factors associated with risk behaviors among HIV-infected MSM attending a public STI clinic serving MSM in Bangkok, Thailand. Between October 2005-October 2007, 154 HIV-infected MSM attending the clinic were interviewed about sexual risk behaviors and evaluated for STIs. Patients were examined for genital ulcers and had serologic testing for syphilis and PCR testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Results showed that sexual intercourse in the last 3 months was reported by 131 men. Of these, 32% reported anal sex without a condom. STIs were diagnosed in 41%. Factors associated with having sex without a condom were having a steady male partner, having a female partner and awareness of HIV status <1 month. Sexual risk behaviors and STIs were common among HIV-infected MSM in this study. This highlights the need for increased HIV prevention strategies for HIV-infected MSM.

National program scale-up and patient outcomes in a pediatric antiretroviral treatment program, Thailand, 2000-2007.

BACKGROUND: There are limited reports of public sector scale-up of antiretroviral treatment (ART) for HIV-infected children. We describe patient outcomes for HIV-infected children initiating ART in Thailand from 2000 to 2005. METHODS: ART-naive patients <15 years old initiating ART from January 2000 to December 2005 were included; follow-up was through March 2007. Survival probabilities were estimated with Kaplan-Meier and hazard ratios for death and loss to follow-up (LTFU) with Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: Analysis included 3409 children. Median follow-up time was 1.7 years (interquartile range = 1.0-2.5). Median age at ART initiation was 7.3 years, weight-for-age z score was -2.0, CD4% was 5.0%. ART was initiated in 1428 (41.9%) children at regional/university hospitals and in 689 (20.2%) at district/community hospitals. At last visit, 346 (10.1%) were LTFU and 305 (9.0%) had died. Age <1 (P = 0.008), weight-for-age z score <-2.0 (P < 0.001), CD4% <5% (P < 0.001), and clinical stage C (P < 0.001) were associated with death; district/community hospital patients had a lower hazard of death (P = 0.011). Clinical stage C (P = 0.052) and regional/university hospital (P < 0.001) were associated with increased LTFU. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric ART has been successfully scaled-up in Thailand, including to district/community hospitals. Late entry to care is associated with poorer outcomes, and earlier ART initiation should be prioritized.

Pediatric HIVQUAL-T: measuring and improving the quality of pediatric HIV care in Thailand, 2005-2007.

BACKGROUND: As increasing numbers of children initiate antiretroviral treatment (ART), a systematic process is needed to measure and improve pediatric HIV care quality. METHODS: Pediatric HIVQUAL-T, a model for performance measurement and quality improvement (QI), was adapted from the U.S. HIVQUAL model by incorporating Thai national guidelines as standards. In each of five pilot-site hospitals in Thailand in 2005-2007, clinical data abstracted from patient records were used to identify priority areas for QI. Improvement strategies were designed by clinic teams in different care system areas, and indicators were remeasured in 2006 and 2007. RESULTS: At the five hospitals, 1119 HIV-infected children younger than 15 years of age received care in 2005, 1183 in 2006, and 1,341 in 2007--of whom 460, 435, and 418, respectively, were selected for chart abstraction. Of the eligible children, > or = 95% received clinical monitoring, annual CD4 count monitoring, ART, and adherence and growth assessments; 60%-90% received Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) prophylaxis, tuberculosis (TB) screening, oral health assessments, and HIV disclosure. Indicators with a score < or = 40% in 2005 but with significant improvement (p < .05) in 2006-2007 following QI activities were Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) prophylaxis, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis and immunization screenings. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the promulgation of national guidelines, performance rates of some pediatric HIV indicators needed improvement. The pediatric HIVQUAL-T model facilitates use of hospital data for pediatric HIV care improvement and indicates that the U.S. HIVQUAL model is adaptable to developing countries.