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The Potential of Provider-Initiated Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing at Health Care Settings in Thailand

Photo by Svgsilh.

Name of the Asset | The Potential of Provider-Initiated Voluntary HIV Counseling and Testing at Health Care Settings in Thailand
Type of Asset | Working Paper
Date | October 2009

Summary

HIV/AIDS is a leading cause of death and socioeconomic devastation in many low- and middle-income countries. While the WHO and UNAIDS have urged healthcare providers to initiate HIV counseling and testing for visiting clients, there is a lack of evidence about the effectiveness of such interventions.  

This study aims to assess the value, feasibility and acceptability of providing provider-initiated HIV voluntary counseling, testing, and referral in district hospitals in Thailand, using a cluster-randomization trial with pre-post test design, as compared to voluntary HIV testing, based upon a client’s request.

During the first 8-week baseline period, there was no significant difference between the control and experimental clusters on the acceptance rate and HIV detection. However, after the 8-week intervention period, the acceptance rate and HIV detection rate in the experimental clusters was significantly higher than those of the control clusters, thus confirming results in favor of healthcare provider-initiated testing.  

Authors:

  • Usa Chaikledkaew, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program
  • Piya Hanvoravongchai, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program
  • Narin Hiransuthikul, Health Intervention and  Technology Assessment Program
  • Lily Ingsrisawang, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program
  • Chewanan Leartpiriyasuwat, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program
  • Yuwadee Leelukhanaveera, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program
  • Sripen Tantivess, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program
  • Yot Teerawattananon, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program
  • Montarat Thavorncharoensap, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program

Country and/or Region | Thailand
Name of the Program | GDN’s Global Research Project 'Promoting Innovative Programs from the Developing World: Towards Realizing the Health MDGs in Africa and Asia'
Funder(s) | The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, United States

Download the Full Study here

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