Challenges of providing treatment and care to men who have sex with men and with HIV/AIDS in Bangkok

Abstract

Background: Across the Asia–Pacific, men who have sex with men (MSM) constitute a growing proportion of those infected with and at risk for HIV/AIDS, but frequently lack access to treatment-related resources because of stigma and discrimination. Objective: To identify challenges that a community-based organization (CBO) and its corresponding HIV clinic in Bangkok, Thailand, face in order to facilitate access to HIV-related care and treatment services by HIV-positive MSM. Methods: Data were collected through focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, and surveys of staff members and volunteers working at the support facilities from April through May 2011. Results: A total of 21 staff and volunteers working at the support facilities participated. Participants reported various barriers to use of HIV-related services by MSM including fear of stigmatization because of their infection status, limited clinic/hospital hours, and misunderstanding of risks. Conclusions: In response to these barriers, CBOs implemented solutions ranging from outreach activities to organization of a men’s health clinic targeting MSM.