Differentiated service delivery for HIV treatment models in Thailand: A cross-sectional assessment of real-world implementation and uptake.

OBJECTIVES: First, to describe the antiretroviral therapy (ART) delivery models available in Thailand to understand differentiated service delivery for further service system optimization and expansion of best practices; second, to determine the client characteristics associated with model uptake. METHODS: Across-sectional assessment using secondary data was conducted to describe ART models implemented as routine services at four public hospitals in three major provinces with a high-HIV burden in Thailand. From April to October 2020, ART clients were screened consecutively according to the inclusion criteria: Thai, aged ≥18 years, and on ART for ≥6 months. HIV treatment models were categorised based on the service type, location, provider, and frequency. Logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors. RESULTS: Seven individual ART delivery models were identified: four were facility-based and three were out-of-facility. No group models were identified. Of 3,366 records of ART clients reviewed, 3,213 (95.5%) met the study criteria and received ART through the following models: conventional (32.6%), nurse-led clinical consultation (10.0%), fast-track refill (29.0%), after-hours clinic (10.6%), pharmacist-led pickup center (3.6%), key population-led community-based organisation (2.7%), and mailing (11.5%). Age, population, duration on ART, and viral load were associated with the uptake of certain alternative service models when compared to the conventional model. CONCLUSIONS: Among the variety of ART delivery approaches available in Thailand, facility-based models remain the most prevalent. Future work should investigate the role of client preference and choice in choosing service models and service utilisation patterns over time, and assess the acceptability and effectiveness of these models.

Correlates of nonadherence to key population-led HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis services among Thai men who have sex with men and transgender women.

BACKGROUND: Based on government estimates from the Asian Epidemic Model, new infections among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in Thailand are forecast to proportionally increase over time. Daily oral Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) protects against HIV acquisition when used as prescribed. The "Princess PrEP" program is the first key population-led (PrEP) initiative under Thai royal patronage with an aim to scale up countrywide implementation of PrEP. METHODS: Retention in and adherence to key population-led HIV PrEP services among HIV-uninfected Thai MSM and TGW was examined in four provinces: Bangkok, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, and Songkhla. HIV, HBsAg, creatinine tests, and self-administered questionnaires were performed during baseline measures. Participants were followed up after month 1, at month 3, then every 3 months. Correlates of nonadherence and loss to follow up at 1 month were assessed using linear regression models. RESULTS: 37.4% of the participants reported low adherence to services (≤ 3 pills/week or missed clinic schedule at month 1). Factors associated with low adherence included younger age (25 years and under) (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.49, 95% confidence interval (95% CI: 1.01-2.21, p = 0.044), being a TGW (aOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.27-3.83, p = 0.005), and whether the participant had not previously accessed services at the clinic (aOR = 1.68, 95% CI: 1.03-2.76, p = 0.04). Additionally, participants in Chonburi (the only TGW site) showed significantly lower adherence than those in the other three provinces (aOR: 2.91, 95% CI: 1.55-5.45, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Urgent, innovative interventions for early PrEP adherence support among vulnerable sub-populations such as younger users, TGW, and new clients are needed to maximize prevention strategy in Thailand.

Acceptability and retention of the key population-led HIV treatment service for men who have sex with men and transgender women living with HIV in Thailand.

INTRODUCTION: In Thailand, where the HIV epidemic is concentrated among key populations (KPs), particularly men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW), an HIV service delivery model tailored to KPs was piloted. This study evaluated the acceptability and retention of clients who accepted and declined the KP-led HIV treatment service. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using secondary data from three community-based organizations (CBOs) and three hospitals in Thailand. KP lay providers were trained to lead HIV treatment service in which MSM and TGW living with HIV received counselling and a 3-month antiretroviral therapy (ART) supply at CBOs. Thai MSM and TGW who were at least 18 years, on ART for at least 6-12 months, without co-morbidities/co-infections, and virally suppressed were eligible and offered the service. Those who declined received ART via other service models offered by the hospitals and served as a comparison group. RESULTS: Of 220 clients screened between February 2019 and February 2020, 72% (159/220) were eligible of which 146 were MSM and 13 were TGW. Overall, 45% (72/159) accepted the KP-led service. Of those who declined, 98% (85/87) preferred to see the physician at the hospital. After 12 months of follow-up, among those accepted, 57% were in care at the CBO, 32% were referred back to and in care in other service models offered by the hospital, 10% were successfully transferred out to other hospital and 1% were lost to follow-up (LTFU); among those declined, 92% were in care in any service models offered by the hospital, 5% were successfully transferred out to other hospital, 2% were LTFU and 1% died (p-value<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite moderate acceptability and retention in care at the CBO among the clients accepting the KP-led service, almost all clients were engaged in care overall. Multiple service models that meet the preferences and needs of KPs living with HIV should be available to optimize engagement in care.

Princess PrEP program: the first key population-led model to deliver pre-exposure prophylaxis to key populations by key populations in Thailand.

Background No data are available on the feasibility of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) delivered by trained key population (KP) community health workers. Herein we report data from the KP-led Princess PrEP program serving men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) in Thailand. METHODS: From January 2016 to December 2017, trained MSM and TGW community health workers delivered same-day PrEP service in community health centres, allowing clients to receive one PrEP bottle to start on the day of HIV-negative testing. Visits were scheduled at Months 1 and 3, and every 3 months thereafter. Uptake, retention and adherence to PrEP services and changes in risk behaviours over time are reported. RESULTS: Of 1467 MSM and 230 TGW who started PrEP, 44.1% had had condomless sex in the past 3 months. At Months 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12, retention was 74.2%, 64.0%, 56.2%, 46.7% and 43.9% respectively (lower in TGW than MSM at all visits; P<0.001), with adherence to at least four PrEP pills per week self-reported by 97.4%, 96.8%, 96.5%, 97.5% and 99.5% of respondents respectively (no difference between MSM and TGW). Logistic regression analysis identified age >25 years, being MSM and having at least a Bachelors degree significantly increased retention. Condomless sex did not change over the 12-month period (from 47.2% to 45.2%; P=0.20). New syphilis was diagnosed in 4.9% and 3.0% of PrEP clients at Months 6 and 12 (cf. 7.0% at baseline; P=0.007). Among PrEP adherers and non-adherers, there were one and six HIV cases of seroconversion respectively, which resulted in corresponding HIV incidence rates (95% confidence interval) of 0.27 (0.04-1.90) and 1.36 (0.61-3.02) per 100 person-years. CONCLUSION: Our KP-led PrEP program successfully delivered PrEP to MSM and TGW. Innovative retention supports are needed, especially for TGW and those who are young or with lower education levels. To scale-up and sustain KP-led PrEP programs, strong endorsement from international and national guidelines is necessary.