Quantar Balthip

Measuring stigma associated with tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS in southern Thailand : exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of two new scales

Objectiveu2002 To develop scales to measure tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS stigma in a developing world context.

Pattern and consequences of krathom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) use among male villagers in southern Thailand: A qualitative study

BACKGROUNDnKrathom is currently the most popular illicit substance in use in southern Thailand. Research regarding its effects and health impacts is scarce. This study explored the pattern of krathom use and users perceptions of the consequences of its use.nnnMETHODSnAn in-depth qualitative interview. A group of 34 self-identified regular users, occasional users, non-users and ex-users of krathom was used in this study. Health volunteer as a key-contact person helped the researcher to invite villagers to participate in the study using snowballing technique. The process of data analysis was guided by Strauss and Corbins grounded theory.nnnRESULTSnThe core category, Understanding krathom use, was generated from three inter-related categories: (i) reasons for continuing krathom use, (ii) the way of applying krathom, and (iii) perceiving positive and realizing the negative effects of krathom use and their 18 subcategories.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThe study findings reveal the importance of considering krathom use from the perspective and belief of the villagers. Krathom is addictive with its own characteristic symptoms and signs. The results provide support for policy interventions to control the availability of krathom according to the community context. In addition, krathom misuse by adolescents must be considered.

Implementing the Alcohol, Smoking, Substance Involvement Screening Test and linked brief intervention service in primary care in Thailand

BACKGROUNDnThis paper reports findings on the implementation, acceptability and uptake of the screening and brief intervention programme based on the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) to help decrease substance misuse in primary care in Thailand.nnnMETHODSnAction research involving selection of suitable study areas; obtaining support for its introduction and corporation at national and local levels; training and monitoring of healthcare providers; delivery of the ASSIST-BI (brief intervention) procedure and assessments of acceptability and uptake of the procedure by patients and staff.nnnRESULTSnBetween October 2011 and October 2012, 5931 patients (2.5% of all patients attending primary care units) were screened with the ASSIST. Of these, 29.6 and 3.4% were in the moderate- and high-risk groups, respectively, and were offered BI or other treatment. The most popular substances used were tobacco and alcohol. Less than 1% screened positively for illicit substances.nnnCONCLUSIONnThe ASSIST detected many substance users capable of benefiting from intervention. The programme was well received by patients and staff. The development of the project from conception to inclusion in Thailands national public health strategy is described and suggested as a model for introducing similar procedures into developing countries.

Achieving peace and harmony in life: Thai Buddhists living with HIV/AIDS

This study aimed to reveal the process of achieving peace and harmony in life by Thai Buddhists living with HIV/AIDS in Southern Thailand. Data were gathered from 28 Thai Buddhist participants aged 18 years or older, who had lived with HIV/AIDS for 5 years or more. Purposive, snowball and theoretical sampling techniques were used to recruit the participants. Data collection, using in-depth interviews, was carried out over a 7 month period between 2011 and 2012. Grounded theory was used to guide the process of data analysis. Two categories emerged to describe the core category Achieving Peace and Harmony in life: (i) understanding and accepting that nothing is permanent and (ii) living life with contentment. Findings are valuable for health professionals in enhancing peace and harmony for their patients.

Screening and brief intervention for substance misuse in Thailand.

Globally, the use of alcohol and illicit substances accounts for 13 disability-adjusted life years (DALY’s) lost per 1000 population or 5.4% of the total burden of disease, with 11 due to alcohol and two to illegal substances. In Thailand alcohol, tobacco and illicit substance use ranked first, second and twelfth among the top risk factors for DALY’s lost in both sexes in 2009. Several attempts have been made to combat this escalating problem in Thailand, including the development of prevention and treatment packages and employment and training of healthcare workers to encourage early intervention and engagement in treatment. The implementation of the World Health Organisation recommended Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) and its linked brief intervention (ASSIST-BI) in primary care settings is one such effort. The aim of this paper is to report the results of our work on a model for developing and implementing an ASSIST-BI service in primary care units of four districts in the north-eastern

Achieving Harmony: Moving from Experiencing Social Disgust to Living with Harmony in People with HIV/AIDS in the Thai Context

This chapter discusses the ways Thai people living with HIV/AIDS come to terms with their diagnosis and learn to manage their lives in the context of stigma and discrimination. The chapter draws on the results of two grounded theory studies which were conducted in the South and Northeast of Thailand, respectively. Data were gathered from 33 participants with HIV/AIDS in the South and 30 in the Northeast through in-depth interviews and participant observations. Interviews were tape-recorded and then transcribed verbatim.