Comparative Analysis of HIV-Related Attitudes, Behaviors,
and Beliefs between People Living with HIV and Health
Care Workers in Thailand
Kanat Chanthongdee1, Dhanach Dhirachaikulpanich1, Kamonluk Rodsom1, Kunravitch Soraprajum1,
Teeramet Pungprasert1, Peerapol Riawraengsattha1, Patcharida Mahatchariyapong1, Chakrapong Namatra MD2,
Varalak Srinonprasert MD2, Akarin Nimmannit MD2, Peerawong Weerarak MD2, Pattarachai Kiratisin MD, PhD2
Affiliation :
1 Medical Student; Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
2 Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : Different forms of HIV-related stigma are now (cid:976)irmly established in all HIV-affected countries across the world, including
Thailand. These stigmas adversely affect access to care and other types of support needed by people living with HIV [PLHIV]. Data
speci(cid:976)ic to differences in HIV-related attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs between Thai PLHIV and health care workers [HCWs] are scarce.
Objective : To investigate and compare differences in HIV-related attitudes, behaviors, and beliefs between PLHIV and HCWs. This
study aimed at comparing stigma-related attitudes among PLHIV and HCWs in Thailand.
Materials and Methods : This questionnaire-based study was conducted in June 2014 in HCWs employed at and PLHIV receiving
care from Siriraj Hospital, Thailand’s largest university-based national tertiary referral center.
Results : Ninety-one HCWs and 61 PLHIV were included. Counseling for safe sex practice and appropriate family planning were
considered as stigma at higher proportion among PLHIV than did HCWs (p = 0.006 and 0.012, respectively). Moreover, attending
special clinic was also a stigma issue concerned by PLHIV (p = 0.006). Issues including sexually promiscuous, people avoiding
interaction with PLHIV, gossiped by others, expelled from their places of residency, and stigmatized by mass media appeared to be
a concern by only small proportion of PLHIV (less than 25% of PLHIV).
Conclusion : The present study emphasized the differences in attitude among HCWs and PLHIV regarding HIV-related stigma in
Thailand health care setting. Safe sex advice, appropriate family planning counseling, and setting special clinic for PLHIV were
considered HIV stigma-in(cid:976)luenced behaviors in a higher proportion of PLHIV than HCWs.
Keywords : HIV, Stigma, Health care worker, PLHIV, Thailand, Social context
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