Improving the Health and Mental Health of People Living With HIV/AIDS: 12-Month Assessment of a Behavioral Intervention in Thailand

Objectives 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 (Am J Public Health 2010 100 2418-2425 doi 10 2105/AJPH 2009 185462)