Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted global health, with particularly significant implications for healthcare delivery to vulnerable populations, including people living with HIV (PLHIV). In Thailand, pandemic restrictions have disrupted HIV health services. This study aimed to assess the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV care delivery in rural areas of Thailand.
Methods: This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews focusing on the shifts in HIV care in response to the pandemic. Twenty healthcare providers (14 nurses and 6 physicians) were interviewed. Participants were primarily selected from ART clinics housed in hospitals of the 5th health service region, Thailand. They were recruited based on their different roles in HIV care delivery during the pandemic. Each interview lasted 30-40 minutes, allowing for in-depth exploration of personal narratives. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis.
Findings: Three main themes emerged, each with several subthemes:
1. New normal in HIV healthcare service:
- Streamlined services
- Rotational schedules for PLHIV groups
- Alternative medication access methods
- Modified service environments
2. Participative management of HIV healthcare service:
- Enhanced internal communication
- Improved networking
3. Factors contributing to successful HIV healthcare delivery:
- Health team members’ dedication to excellent service
- Administrative support
These changes have long-term implications for HIV epidemic control and future pandemic responses. Additionally, these findings have presented opportunities for innovative care delivery.
Conclusions: Our findings provide a foundation for developing nursing interventions to reshape flexible HIV healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continued care despite challenging circumstances.
Notes
References: Hung, C. C., Banerjee, S., Gilada, I., Green, K., Inoue, Y., Kamarulzaman, A., Leyritana, K., Phanuphak, N., Wong, T., Wong, T., Singh, S., & Choi, J. Y. (2022). Impact of COVID-19 on the HIV care continuum in Asia: Insights from people living with HIV, key populations, and HIV healthcare providers. PloS one, 17(7), e0270831. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0270831
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Qualitative Research
Keywords:
Primary Care, Public and Community Health, Health Equity or Social Determinants of Health, HIV, Thailand
Recommended Citation
Khumsaen, Natawan, "Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemics on HIV Care Delivery in Thailand: Healthcare Providers Perspectives" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 57.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/posters_2025/57
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Impacts of COVID-19 Pandemics on HIV Care Delivery in Thailand: Healthcare Providers Perspectives
Seattle, Washington, USA
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted global health, with particularly significant implications for healthcare delivery to vulnerable populations, including people living with HIV (PLHIV). In Thailand, pandemic restrictions have disrupted HIV health services. This study aimed to assess the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on HIV care delivery in rural areas of Thailand.
Methods: This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews focusing on the shifts in HIV care in response to the pandemic. Twenty healthcare providers (14 nurses and 6 physicians) were interviewed. Participants were primarily selected from ART clinics housed in hospitals of the 5th health service region, Thailand. They were recruited based on their different roles in HIV care delivery during the pandemic. Each interview lasted 30-40 minutes, allowing for in-depth exploration of personal narratives. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis.
Findings: Three main themes emerged, each with several subthemes:
1. New normal in HIV healthcare service:
- Streamlined services
- Rotational schedules for PLHIV groups
- Alternative medication access methods
- Modified service environments
2. Participative management of HIV healthcare service:
- Enhanced internal communication
- Improved networking
3. Factors contributing to successful HIV healthcare delivery:
- Health team members’ dedication to excellent service
- Administrative support
These changes have long-term implications for HIV epidemic control and future pandemic responses. Additionally, these findings have presented opportunities for innovative care delivery.
Conclusions: Our findings provide a foundation for developing nursing interventions to reshape flexible HIV healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continued care despite challenging circumstances.
Description
This study examined COVID-19's impact on HIV care in rural Thailand. Interviews with 20 healthcare providers revealed three main themes: new normal in HIV healthcare, participative management, and success factors. Changes included streamlined services, rotational schedules, alternative medication access, and modified environments. Improved communication and networking were noted.