Abstract:
This cross-sectional study was aimed to analyze the cost-effectiveness of the two HIV prevention interventions, P1: establishing a community based friend center versus P2: implementing a training course for men who have sex with men (MSM) in Ubonratchathani province. And incremental cost-effectiveness was also conducted. Data were collected by using costing data recording forms in perspective view of each intervention. The samples were 224 MSM who involved in interventions during 2008-2010. The interview were conducted by using questionnaires in order to collect effectiveness data in terms of increasing number of MSM with knowledge on HIV/AIDS and attitudes. It was found that the total cost of P1 in the first round was 2,678 Bht/mth. The cost-effectiveness ratio of increasing 1 MSM with knowledge was 72 Bht/mth and the cost-effectiveness ratio of increasing 1 MSM with attitudes was 47 Bht/mth. In the second round, the total cost was 5,343 Bht/mth. The cost-effectiveness ratio of increasing 1 MSM with knowledge was 144 Bht/mth, the cost-effectiveness ratio of increasing 1 MSM with attitudes was 83 Bht/mth. The total cost of P2 in the first round was 2,546 Bht/mth. The cost-effectiveness ratio of increasing 1 MSM with knowledge was 318 Bht/mth and the cost-effectiveness ratio of increasing 1 MSM with attitudes was 82 Bht/mth. In the second round, the total cost was 5,377 Bht/mth. The cost-effectiveness ratio of increasing 1 MSM with knowledge was 316 Bht/mth and the cost-effectiveness ratio of increasing 1 MSM with attitudes was 158 Bht/mth. The study results, suggest that establishing a community based friend center is more cost-effective than implementing a training course. Therefore, the HIV prevention program for MSM should focus on establishing a community based friend center more than implementing a training course. The result of this study also provides useful information as a basis for budget allocation, evaluate of resources utilization and HIV prevention management.
