Document 2510
 DOCN  M94A2510
 TI    HIV-antibody testing at anonymous testing sites and STD clinics in
       northern Thailand.
 DT    9412
 AU    Sombutmai S; Wannarat A; Taywaditep K; Lindan C; Mandel J; Chiang Mai
       University, Thailand.
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):288 (abstract no. PC0073). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94370065
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To provide a profile of men who had HIV-antibody tests at
       anonymous testing sites and STD clinics in the environs of Chiang Mai,
       Thailand. METHODS: During 1993, we conducted structured interviews with
       a convenience sample of 190 men who had HIV-antibody tests at two
       anonymous testing sites and two STD clinics. Respondents were
       interviewed before blood samples were collected. RESULTS: Respondents'
       median age was 22 years (range = 16-46); 65% were single.
       Occupationally, 38% were unskilled laborers and 26% were students. 51%
       reported sexual intercourse with a prostitute(s) or casual partner(s) in
       the past six months. 51% reported at least one prior episode of STD. The
       primary reason for seeking HIV test was to reduce anxiety about possible
       sexual exposure to HIV; while few reported concerns over physical
       symptoms and/or I.V. drug use. Although 42% reported at least one
       previous HIV test, only 46% of these men reported prior HIV counseling.
       Contrasting the HIV+ (16%) and the HIV- (84%) groups, we found no
       significant differences in marital status, education and income,
       knowledge of HIV transmission, current health complaints, and 6-month
       total and high-risk sexual partners (prostitutes or casual partners).
       However, HIV+ men were more likely to report a history of genital ulcer
       (RR = 1.50, 95% C.I.--1.09-2.06), inguinal lymph node infection (RR =
       1.64, 95% C.I. = 1.13-2.38), and past STD episodes (Mann-Whitney rank
       sum test Z = -3.28, p = .001). DISCUSSION: Free or low cost HIV antibody
       testing has been widely available in and around Chiang Mai since 1991.
       As intended, HIV testing sites provide service to young men with lower
       income whose sexual behaviors are a primary risk of HIV infection.
       Despite prior repeated testing in some, many men reported having no
       previous counseling; more consistent counseling services are urgently
       needed. Moreover, history of sexual activity did not distinguish the
       subjects' HIV serostatus, underscoring that sexually active men in
       Thailand, as a group, are at risk for HIV infection.
 DE    Adolescence  Adult  Ambulatory Care Facilities/UTILIZATION  *AIDS
       Serodiagnosis  Human  Male  Middle Age  Risk Factors  Sex Behavior
       Substance Abuse, Intravenous/MICROBIOLOGY  Thailand  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).