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.