Post-Pandemic Perspectives: Willingness, Risk Perception and Factors Influencing COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Uptake Among Thai Healthcare Workers and Vulnerable Populations.

Background: The emergence of new COVID-19 variants continues to affect healthcare workers (HCWs) and vulnerable populations in the post-pandemic era. This study aims to assess the willingness, perceptions, and factors associated with booster COVID-19 vaccine uptake in this context.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2023 and May 2024 among Thai adults (>20 years old) in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand.

Establishment, Implementation, Initial Outcomes, and Lessons Learned from Recent HIV Infection Surveillance Using a Rapid Test for Recent Infection Among Persons Newly Diagnosed With HIV in Thailand: Implementation Study.

Background: A recent infection testing algorithm (RITA) incorporating case surveillance (CS) with the rapid test for recent HIV infection (RTRI) was integrated into HIV testing services in Thailand as a small-scale pilot project in October 2020.

Objective: We aimed to describe the lessons learned and initial outcomes obtained after the establishment of the nationwide recent HIV infection surveillance project from April through August 2022.

Methods: We conducted desk reviews, developed a surveillance protocol and manual, selected sites, trained staff, implemented surveillance, and analyzed outcomes.

Efficiency and simulation of Thailand's Chiang Mai University Model for COVID-19 mass vaccination hub (CMU-MVH model).

Background: Mass vaccination is crucial for achieving herd immunity and controlling pandemics. Simulation models predict vaccination outcomes. This study evaluates efficiency and designs a tailored vaccination plan for Thailand.

Establishing Quality Assurance for HIV-1 Rapid Test for Recent Infection in Thailand through the Utilization of Dried Tube Specimens.

The present study focuses on establishing the quality assurance of laboratories for recent infections (RTRI) in Thailand. We developed a cold-chain independent method, using fully characterized plasma obtained from the Thai Red Cross Society, and prepared as dried tube specimens (DTS). Twenty microliters of HIV-seronegative, recent, and long-term infected samples were aliquoted into individual tubes and dried at room temperature, 20-30 degrees Celsius, in a biosafety cabinet overnight to ensure optimal preservation.

Factors associated with internalized HIV-related stigma among people living with HIV in Thailand.

Internalized HIV-related stigma (IHS) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) has been documented as one of the factors contributing to the ongoing AIDS epidemic. The purpose of this study, which was conducted from September 2021 to January 2022, was to measure prevalence and identify factors associated with IHS among research participants who were living with HIV recruited from a research clinic in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. Participants were considered to have IHS if they agreed to at least one of the 8 items of the newly developed Thai Internalized HIV-related Stigma Scale (Thai-IHSS).

Prevalence and Genotypic Diversity of Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Male and Female Sex Workers in Thailand.

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with cancer. Female sex workers (FSWs) are known to be at risk for HPV, but little is known about male sex workers (MSWs).

Methods: We examined HPV prevalence and associated risk factors in both populations.

Chronic Kidney Disease and Accelerated Decline of Renal Function in Older Adults with HIV in Northern Thailand.

Kidney disease remains prevalent in people living with HIV even in the antiretroviral treatment era. We determine the frequency of chronic kidney disease (CKD), rate of renal function decline, and associated factors in older adults with HIV (OAHIV) aged ≥50 years in northern Thailand. We used data from the medical records and calculated the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation.

The Thai Internalized HIV-related Stigma Scale.

Introduction: Internalized stigma among people living with HIV has been linked to a range of negative consequences. The current study describes the development and validation of a contextually appropriate internalized HIV-related Stigma Scale for people living with HIV in Thailand.

Methods: The study was carried out in two stages from 2018 to 2019: developing items based on the findings of focus group discussions and pilot testing the original list of items and validating the instrument.

Trends in the Incidence of Kaposi's Sarcoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in Northern Thailand during the Time Period of Universal Access to Antiretroviral Treatment, 1998-2017.

Purpose: We evaluated the trends in incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL)  over the two decades in northern Thailand during which access to antiretroviral treatments (ART) in Thailand was scaled up.

Methods: This is retrospective observational study. Data from 1998 to 2017 of patients diagnosed with KS and NHL from three long-standing, population-based cancer registries in northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Lampang and Lamphun) were used to describe trends in age-adjusted incidence rate (ASR) of these cancers.

Characteristics, clinical outcomes, and mortality of older adults living with HIV receiving antiretroviral treatment in the sub-urban and rural areas of northern Thailand.

Since the introduction of antiretroviral treatment (ART), people living with HIV worldwide live into older age. This observational study described the characteristics, clinical outcomes, and mortality of older adults living with HIV (OALHIV) receiving ART from the National AIDS program in northern Thailand. Participants aged ≥ 50 years were recruited from the HIV clinics in 12 community hospitals.

Fc receptor engagement of HIV-1 Env-specific antibodies in mothers and infants predicts reduced vertical transmission.

Introduction: Infants acquire maternal antibodies by Fc receptor transcytosis across the placenta during pregnancy. Fc receptors are expressed on immune cells and are important for activation of effector cell functions.

Methods: In this study, we evaluated Fc receptor engagement and ADCC activity of plasma binding antibodies from human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV) -infected mothers and to identify factors that may contribute to protection from HIV vertical transmission.

Neurocognitive performance and quality of life of older adults with HIV on antiretroviral treatment in Northern Thailand.

Introduction: With virologic suppression and longer life expectancy, older adults with HIV (OAHIV) are at risk for neurocognitive impairment (NCI). This study investigated neurocognitive performance, quality of life (QOL) and the association between OAHIV determinants.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in OAHIV aged ≥ 50 years on antiretroviral treatment at community hospitals in Northern Thailand between September and November 2020.

Association between Sociodemographic Factors and Condom Use among Migrant Sex Workers in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand.

Thailand has the highest HIV burden in the Asia-Pacific region, with the majority of cases occurring in specific populations. Migrant Sex Workers (MSWs) in Thailand are an important population for HIV risk, yet there has been limited literature on this group and their protective sexual behavior. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 396 MSWs 18−49 years old from 23 sex work-identified venues in Chiang Mai.

Geographical risk pattern and temporal trends in incidence of HPV-related cancers in northern Thailand: A population-based study.

Background: The burden of HPV-related cancers in different regions worldwide varies according to several factors. This study aims to measure inequality in the risk of incidence of HPV-related cancers in term of geographical risk patterns in northern Thailand using a population-based cancer registry data.

Methods: Trends in age-standardized HPV-related cancer incidence were calculated for the 2008-2017 time period.

Depressive symptoms, HIV disclosure, and HIV-related stigma among migrant workers living with HIV in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Currently migrant workers living with HIV (MWLHIV) in Thailand have access to antiretroviral treatment. We determined the frequency of depressive symptoms, HIV disclosure, and HIV-related stigma in this population. The cross-sectional study was conducted at 12 HIV clinics in community hospitals in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Association of cardio-ankle vascular index and future major adverse cardiovascular events in older adults living with HIV.

Increased arterial stiffness is an indicator of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death in the general population. The cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is a novel method for measuring arterial stiffness. This study investigated the utility of CAVI as a prognostic indicator of CVD and death in older adults living with HIV(OALHIV).

Infectious diseases and predominant travel-related syndromes among long-term expatriates living in low-and middle- income countries: a scoping review.

Introduction: Expatriates working in low-and middle-income countries have unique health problems. Migration leads not only to an increase in individual health risk but also a risk of global impact, such as pandemics. Expatriates with no prior experience living in tropical settings have expressed greatest concern about infectious diseases and appropriate peri-travel consultation is essential to expatriates.

A qualitative study on community use of antibiotics in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Background: Resistance to antibiotics is an increasing and major threat to global health. While the large majority of antimicrobial use occurs in the community where antibiotics are available without prescription, we did not find any studies investigating community-level factors influencing the inappropriate use of antibiotics in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where non-prescription antibiotic use is prevalent.

Methods: This qualitative study was conducted from April 1st 2019 to May 5th 2019 and consisting of in-depth semi-structured interviews, utilizing purposive and snowball sampling schemes to recruit adult heads of households in the Pakadjuma slum, in Kinshasa, DRC.

Association between Internalized Stigma and Depression among People Living with HIV in Thailand.

Internalized stigma and depression are among the most common mental health problems in people living with HIV (PLHIV). This study aimed to examine the association between depression and overall internalized stigma, as well as different aspects of internalized stigma in PLHIV. The study included 400 PLHIV receiving care in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Dynamic of anti-spike receptor binding domain (RBD) levels and short-term adverse events following a heterologous booster dose of BNT162b2 after two doses of CoronaVac in Thai health care workers.

Background: CoronaVac was administered as the primary COVID-19 vaccine for Thai health care workers (HCWs) in early 2021 in response to the epidemic of new variants. This study aimed to evaluate the dynamic of humoral immune response as well as the short-term side effects resulting from the booster dose of BNT162b2 following completion of a CoronaVac double-dose in Thai HCWs.

Methods: This study was conducted at a teaching hospital in Northern Thailand during August and September 2021.

The Association Between Connectedness and Grit Among Thai In-school Adolescents in Urban Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Aim: To investigate the associations between Grit, connectedness, and parental involvement in Thai adolescents. Grit, perseverance, and passion for long-term goals are predictors of academic success and health. There is a small but developing knowledge of the predictors of Grit in Asia, especially Thailand.

Intimate Relationships and HIV Infection Risks Among Shan Female Sex Workers From Myanmar in Chiang Mai, Thailand: A Qualitative Study.

This study aimed to investigate HIV risks among female sex workers (FSWs) who were from the Shan ethnic group, and how they relate to complex relationships with inconsistent condom use. The study was conducted using in-depth interviews with 17 Shan FSWs (aged 18-45 years old) in Chiang Mai. Intimate relationships between participants and regular clients/steady partners were found to facilitate inconsistent condom use.

Increased Work Experience Associated with Less Stigmatizing Attitudes towards People Living with HIV among Thai Healthcare Personnel.

HIV-related stigma in health facilities has been suggested as a primary target for HIV-related stigma reduction. The objective of this study was to describe negative attitudes among Thai healthcare personnel (HCP) toward PLHIV. This nationwide probability sampled survey was conducted in 2019 in 12 provinces in Thailand and Bangkok, the capital.