Factors predicting behavior to prevent opportunistic infections among people living with HIV in Samut Prakan Province

Abstract

Opportunistic infections (OIs) remain a major health challenge among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Despite the global expansion of antiretroviral therapy (ART), an estimated 39.9 million individuals were living with HIV in 2024, with over 600,000 AIDS-related deaths annually. OIs continue to be leading causes of morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries and densely populated areas such as Samut Prakan Province, Thailand. This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to examine preventive behaviors against OIs and to identify the associated and predictive factors among people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) at Samut Prakan Hospital, using the PRECEDE–PROCEED Model as conceptual framework. A total of 167 PLHIV were selected through simple random sampling. Data was collected using a researcher-developed questionnaire that was validated by experts. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and stepwise multiple regression.

Results indicated that the majority of participants were male (47.3%) and aged 35–60 years (52.7%). Preventive behaviors against OIs were reported at a high level (Mean = 14.22, SD = 3.05). Age, knowledge of OIs, and social support emerged as statistically significant predictors (p < 0.001), which together explained 17.8% of the variance (Adjusted R² = 0.178). These findings highlight the influence of both individual and social factors on preventive health behaviors among PLHIV. The study underscores the need for health promotion strategies that provide age-appropriate knowledge, strengthen social support, and implement individualized counseling programs to sustain preventive behaviors among PLHIV.