Improving the health and mental health of people living with HIV/AIDS: 12-month assessment of a behavioral intervention in Thailand.
OBJECTIVE
We examined findings from a randomized controlled intervention trial designed to improve the quality of life of people living with HIV in Thailand.


METHODS
A total of 507 people living with HIV were recruited from 4 district hospitals in northern and northeastern Thailand and were randomized to an intervention group (n = 260) or a standard care group (n = 247). Computer-assisted personal interviews were administered at baseline and at 6 and 12 months.


RESULTS
At baseline, the characteristics of participants in the intervention and standard care conditions were comparable. The mixed-effects models used to assess the impact of the intervention revealed significant improvements in general health (B = 2.51; P = .001) and mental health (B = 1.57; P = .02) among participants in the intervention condition over 12 months and declines among those in the standard care condition.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results demonstrate that a behavioral intervention was successful in improving the quality of life of people living with HIV. Such interventions must be performed in a systematic, collaborative manner to ensure their cultural relevance, sustainability, and overall success.
Semel Institute Center for Community Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA. lililili@ucla.edu
Li
L
Li
Sung-Jae
SJ
Lee
Chuleeporn
C
Jiraphongsa
Siwaporn
S
Khumtong
Sopon
S
Iamsirithaworn
Panithee
P
Thammawijaya
Mary Jane
MJ
Rotheram-Borus
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D011788:Quality of Life; D013785:Thailand; D016896:Treatment Outcome