Antiretroviral Drug Taking in HIV Positive among Myanmar Migrants in Central Area of Thailand

Abstract

Monitoring in treatment success includes as a major portion in antiretroviral
drug treatment. Because antiretroviral drugs do not eradicate the virus but it maintain viral replication at low levels. ARV taking in migrants people is an interested portion in HIV treatment. The study aimed to identify factors which facilitate or constrain ART taking among Myanmar migrant ARV users in the hospitals of central area of Thailand. The study 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 (Satthip Hospital, Photharam Hospital, Ratchburi Hospital, and Samut Sakhon Hospital). They were asked by in depth interview to develop the study. Regular taking ARV and having the missed dose experience were nearly the same. Their incomes are not enough for long term ARV treatment taking. So free of charge treatment strongly improves their long term regular ARV taking. Registration condition is highly affected to their free of charge treatment. In patient’s condition, frequency of medical taking and having opportunistic infection/clinical symptoms affected to ARV taking. Having social and family support and giving knowledge from hospitals improve their self awareness. Even they got family/social care and giving knowledge from hospital, self awareness itself is more important for this Myanmar migrant group. In conclusion, economic concern, work related factors, registration condition and self awareness are mostly affected in Myanmar migrants ARV taking.