Socio-Demographic Impact of Antiretroviral Treatments in Northern Thailand

Sophie Le Coeur, Institut National d'Études Démographiques (INED)
Eva Lelièvre, Institut National d'Études Démographiques (INED)
Intira Collins, Program for HIV Prevention and Treatment (PHPT)

Over one million of Thailand’s 64 million inhabitants have been infected with HIV to date, and an estimated 540,000 persons are currently living with HIV/AIDS (PLWA). As with most affected countries, the epidemic had a profound impact on the society. In addition to negative impact upon morbidity and mortality, it also triggers stigmatization, affects intergenerational cohesion and put pressure on the health care system. Antiretroviral treatments, which became available under the universal health coverage system in Thailand from 2005, transformed HIV/AIDS from a fatal to a chronic disease. The socio-demographic impact of antiretroviral treatments provision on the life of PLWA, from the time of infection to disease/treatment can be assessed using longitudinal data taking into account the family, occupations, residence and health histories. We will present the initial results of a life-event history survey among 500 PLWA on long term antiretroviral treatment within a pilot program in Northern Thailand.