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The UN General Special Assembly on HIV/AIDS reported that Thailand's elderly are living on the edge of poverty. Those who become caregivers for the children who have been orphaned by AIDS incur even greater challenges. The 2007 Survey of Older Persons of Thailand (SOPT) concluded that there is a range of financial and social safety nets provided by the government, nongovernmental (NGO), and faith-based organizations (FBOs) to help the elderly caregivers and their families. The research offered limited studies on Thailand's elderly caring for these children. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the social, religious and familial experiences of this population. In-depth interviews were conducted with 14 elderly caregivers participating in the Grandma Cares Program (GCP) located in the province of Chiang Mai. They were asked about their caregiving experiences, cultural and Buddhist beliefs, and programs that help them. Data were verified through member checking with a translator. The details of the caregivers' experiences and environments were transcribed and analyzed with Creswell's 6-step process to identify textural and structural themes and patterns. Results of this study indicated that caregivers gained comfort and strength from Buddha's teachings and cultural beliefs, but they would like more support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Late diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains a challenging issue, especially in young population, which accounts for approximately half of new HIV infections. This study aimed to assess factors associated with late diagnosis of HIV infection in young people. It employed a hospital-based case-control design, conducted during January 2012 through August 2013. A total of 193 patients aged 18–25 years old from 21 hospitals across Thailand were studied. Late diagnosis was defined as presentation when the CD4 cell count was less than 350 cells/µL within 12 months of the first HIV diagnosis, or AIDS-defining event is present within 12 months of the first HIV diagnosis. Factors associated with the late diagnosis of HIV were those who: did not live with their parent (OR 3.87; 95% CI 1.40–10.66), had no children (OR 3.25; 95% CI 1.27–8.31), had their first sexual intercourse at age older than 18 years (OR 4.25; 95% CI 1.27–14.22), had same-age or older partners (OR 3.36; 95% CI 1.39–8.08), were substance users (OR 3.65; 95% CI 1.22–10.88), believed they changed their behaviors after receiving HIV education (OR 2.48; 95% CI 1.02–5.99), and sought care at regional (OR 3.19; 95% 1.31–7.79) or general hospitals (OR 3.34; 95% 1.07–10.35). Strategies for early HIV detection in young people should be reconsidered; particularly the involvement of parents and targeting the right population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]