Antiretroviral drug taking among Myanmar migrants in Central Region of Thailand

Abstract

Monitoring HIV treatment success includes a major portion in antiretroviral drug treatment. Antiretroviral drugs (ARV) do not eradicate the virus but they maintain viral replication at low levels. The study of ARV taking among migrants is an interesting issue. This study is aimed to identify factors which facilitate or constrain ARV taking among Myanmar migrant ARV users in the hospitals in central region of Thailand. It is expected to know factors affecting ARV taking in Myanmar migrants and to provide future specific intervention to increase and maintain high level of adherence. The qualitative study purposively selected 27 participants from 4 hospitals of Thailand (Sattahip Hospital, Photharam Hospital, Ratchburi Hospital, and Samut Sakhon Hospital). To develop the study, the participants were asked by in-depth interview. The number of participants regularly taking ARV and those having dose absence are nearly the same. Their incomes are not enough for long term ARV treatment taking. Therefore, free of charge treatment strongly improves their long term regular ARV taking. Their immigration registration highly affects to their free treatment. As regards the patients’ condition, the frequency of medical taking and opportunistic infection/clinical symptoms affected ARV taking. Social and family support and knowledge from hospitals result in improving their self awareness. Despite these factors, self awareness itself is more important for this Myanmar migrant group. In conclusion, economic concern, work related factors, immigration registration and self awareness are affected Myanmar migrants ARV taking.