Thai AIDS Journal

The efficacy of K-shape model of health literacy enhancement program on self-care behaviors among male prisoners living with HIV in Ratchaburi Central Prison

2025-02-10T11:20:37+07:00

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of the health literacy enhancement program based on the K-shape model on self-care behaviors among male prisoners living with HIV in Ratchaburi Central Prison. The samples were 59 male prisoners living with HIV in Ratchaburi Central Prison, divided into an experimental group of 30 and a comparison group of 29. The research instruments included the K-shape model-based health literacy enhancement program on self-care behaviors which was implemented twice a week for five weeks, as well as questionnaires on health literacy, HIV/AIDS knowledge, and self-care behaviors. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Mean comparisons were conducted using paired sample t-test and independent sample t-test. The results of the study indicated that after participating in the k-shape model-based health literacy enhancement program on self-care behaviors, the experimental group showed a significant increase in mean scores of health literacy, HIV/AIDS knowledge, and self-care behaviors compared to before the experiment and to the comparison group (p<0.05).

Factors related to changes in CD4 counts after fixed-dose combination tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, lamivudine and dolutegravir (TLD) medication at Thasala Hospital, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province

2025-02-24T16:14:44+07:00

This study is an analytical cross-sectional study conducted by reviewing the medical records of HIV patients aged over 18 years who received antiretroviral therapy including tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, lamivudine and dolutegravir (TLD) at Thasala Hospital, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, from June 2022 to May 2024. A total of 450 patients were included in the study. The data were divided into two groups based on the trend in CD4 cell count changes: Group 1 (276 patients), with a continuous increase in CD4 count, and Group 2 (174 patients), with a decreasing trend in CD4 count. Statistical analysis revealed that factors significantly associated with an increase in CD4 count included: baseline CD4 count (p<0.05), percentage of baseline CD4 cells (p<0.05), body weight before and after treatment (p<0.05), BMI before and after treatment (p<0.05), sleeping more than 5 hours per day (p<0.05), exercising more than 3 times per week (p<0.05) , drinking more than 2 liters of water per day (p<0.05), consuming more than one serving of vegetables per day (p<0.05), and having disclosure of HIV status and good social relationships (p<0.05). Additionally, engaging in religious activities, such as meditation during the past three months, was also found to be significantly associated with an increase in CD4 cell count (p<0.05). These findings suggest that both physical and psychosocial factors play an important role in immune recovery among HIV patients receiving TLD treatment, consistent with previous studies conducted in different contexts. This information can be applied to enhance HIV treatment strategies and patient care for improved effectiveness.

Development of a model for supervision and monitoring of AIDS work in hospitals by using integrated empowerment visits to develop access to antiretroviral drug Health Region 10

2025-03-25T16:19:54+07:00

This study aimed to develop a supervision model using integrated empowerment visits for AIDS prevention and control in Health Region 10. An action research methodology was employed, with a purposive selection of 29 hospitals, including all regional hospitals and provincial general hospitals as well as community hospitals in Health Region 10 with HIV treatment coverage below 80.0%. The target group consisted of hospital administrators and multidisciplinary teams. The study was conducted between October 2019, and September 2022. Quantitative data were collected through the NAP web report system and satisfaction surveys, while qualitative data were obtained from interviews, focus group discussions, document analysis, and lessons-learned reflections. The study resulted in the development of an integrated empowerment visit supervision model for Health Region 10, structured into four TDRC steps: (1) team, (2) data, (3) results, and (4) continuous. At the regional level, the proportion of people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) increased from 80.0% in 2019 to 86.0% in 2022. At the hospital level, the number of hospitals that improved HIV treatment access for people living with HIV - shifting from the red level to yellow and green - rose to 23 facilities, accounting for 79.3%. The satisfaction level with the implementation of the model was high (Mean=4.36, SD=0.55). Key contributing factors included management, capacity building, budget allocation, and stakeholder engagement. It is recommended that supervisory teams further develop their policy communication skills to strengthen engagement with hospital executives.

Effects of the HIV self-stigma reduction program at Khlong Hoi Khong Hospital (Youth Association of Thailand), Khlong Hoi Khong District, Songkhla Province

2025-03-25T16:43:11+07:00

This quasi-experimental study aims to investigate the effects of self-stigma reduction program among individuals living with HIV. The purposive sampling method was used to select a sample of 36 individuals who were receiving antiretroviral therapy at Khlong Hoi Khong Hospital, Khlong Hoi Khong District, Songkhla Province, June to August 2024. The instruments used in this study included an interview form for individuals living with HIV, developed by the Division of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and a video media. Data were collected before and after the intervention and analyzed using descriptive statistics and paired sample t-test to compare the mean self-stigma and self-worth scores. The research results indicated that after participating in self-stigma reduction program for people living with HIV, overall self-stigma did not significantly change after the program (p=0.14). However, there was a reduction in self-stigma in the following areas: (1) “feeling discouraged/desperate about having HIV” (2) “feeling ashamed of having HIV”. Additionally, there was an increased sense of self-worth in the following aspects: (1) “reduced feelings of being a failure” (2) “wanting to have more self-respect” (3) “feeling equally valuable as others” (4) “feeling capable of performing tasks as well as others” (5) “recognizing personal positive qualities” (6) “developing a positive self-outlook” and (7) overall satisfaction with oneself”. These changes were statistically significant (p<0.05). Therefore, using educational programs and providing case studies in videos, delivered via LINE videos, can help people living with HIV change their attitudes, belief and behaviors.

Sarcopenia in chronic hepatitis C infection

2025-01-30T15:50:39+07:00

This article aims to review the risk of sarcopenia in chronic hepatitis C infection, its molecular mechanisms, and health promotion strategies for primary prevention. Reports indicate that approximately 21.9%–22.4% of patients with chronic hepatitis C have sarcopenia (muscle mass loss). A 27-year cohort study revealed that patients with chronic hepatitis C have a 0.95–2.23 times higher risk of muscle degeneration and an all-cause cumulative mortality rate of up to 35.2%. This underscores that, without treatment, individuals with chronic hepatitis C are at significant risk of muscle mass loss due to the liver's crucial role in muscle fiber synthesis. Prolonged muscle mass loss occurs due to molecular changes, including inclusion body myositis (IBM), and insulin resistance. The core protein and NS5A protein of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) stimulate the release of inflammatory cytokines while suppressing cytokine signaling proteins. This leads to insulin resistance, reducing glucose uptake by muscle cells, altering metabolism, and resulting in sarcopenia driven by virus-host-environment interactions. In addition to consuming adequate protein and essential nutrients, engaging in resistance and aerobic exercises, and potentially using certain medications to maintain muscle health, early risk assessment is an effective strategy for delaying muscle degeneration in patients with chronic hepatitis C.