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. 2022 Jul 9;7(7):128.
doi: 10.3390/tropicalmed7070128.

Adherence and Health Problems in Thai Travellers Living with HIV

Krit Madsalae  1   2 , Thundon Ngamprasertchai  1 , Saranath Lawpoolsri  3 , Rujipas Sirijatuphat  4 , Winai Ratanasuwan  5 , Watcharapong Piyaphanee  1 , Punnee Pitisuttithum  1
Affiliations

Adherence and Health Problems in Thai Travellers Living with HIV

Krit Madsalae et al. Trop Med Infect Dis. .

Abstract

It is important to focus on adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and health problems of travellers living with HIV (TLWHIV) during travel. This study was conducted to investigate factors related to adherence and health problems among TLWHIV. This multicentre, cross-sectional observational study was conducted among TLWHIV in university hospitals from August 2019 to July 2020. Factors associated with adherence to ART were evaluated using a logistic regression model. Health problems and risk exposure were also examined among participants during travel. Of 321 TLWHIV, 20 (6.23%) showed moderate-to-poor adherence, among whom 3 (15%) had viral rebound after travelling. Travellers frequently missed ART during the first 3 days of their trip. International destination was associated with moderate-to-poor adherence. In total, 237 (73.8%) travellers reported health problems during travel, among whom 36 required medical attention. Sexual or sharp exposure was found in <5% of travellers during travel. Approximately 95% of Thai TLWHIV had good ART adherence. International destination was the major factor determining adherence. TLWHIV should be encouraged to seek pretravel consultation. Healthcare providers should discuss health risk prevention and teach about ART dosing during travel to enhance adherence and minimise toxicity.

Keywords: HIV travellers; Thai; adherence and health problems; antiretroviral therapy (ART); immunocompromised travellers; traveller.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.

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