EFFORTS TO INCREASE THE USE OF HIV TESTING SERVICES : WHAT INTERVENTIONS HAVE WORKED IN THAILAND?

We reviewed and analyzed published research concerning efforts to increase regular use of HIV testing services in Thailand. Separate studies suggested that the creation of participatory and creative online spaces for information sharing and promoting community-based testing positively influence levels of HIV testing, including repeat-testing in some cases. Population targeted approaches, using same-day rapid tests, and using diverse locations for testing (medical and non-medical) may improve rates of testing.

Afraid of Delivering at the Hospital or Afraid of Delivering at Home: A Qualitative Study of Thai Hmong Families' Decision-Making About Maternity Services.

Thailand has high rates of maternity services; both antenatal care (ANC) and hospital delivery are widely used by its citizens. A recent Northern Thailand survey showed that Hmong women used maternity services at lower rates. Our objectives were to identify Hmong families' socio-cultural reasons for using and not using maternity services, and suggest ways to improve Hmong women's use of maternity services.

Ethnicity, socioeconomic characteristics and knowledge, beliefs and attitudes about HIV among Yunnanese Chinese, Hmong, Lahu and Northern Thai in a north-western Thailand border district.

Data from ethnically diverse north-western Thailand with recent migrants from Myanmar (Burma) and China allow testing of hypotheses concerning between- and within-community differences in predominantly Yunnanese Chinese, Hmong and Lahu ethnic minority villages versus ethnic majority Thai villages. Topics include knowledge of HIV transmission, prevention and treatment, avoidance of people infected with HIV and constraints to use of health services. Respondents include women with one or more children under age five and their husbands/partners.

An empowerment program to enhance women's ability to prevent and control malaria in the community, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.

Paulo Freire's theory was modified to empower a women's group in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, to prevent and control malaria. This study conducted an intervention in Mueang Na Wan Village, Mueang Na Sub-district, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai Province, where 45 women were systematically recruited into the study cohort. Navail Village was selected as a control village because it resembled the intervention village.