Perceptions of HIV/AIDS and caring for people with terminal AIDS in southern Thailand

This study presents data collected from village-based ethnographic research conducted in southern Thailand in 1995-1996, and focuses on perceptions of HIV/AIDS infection, patients with AIDS and their provision of care. Individual interviews were conducted with 300 village women. These data were supplemented by data from 14 focus group discussions involving 100 participants, both men and women, randomly selected from six villages in Hatyai district, Songkla Province, Thailand. In addition, 23 people with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers participated in subsequent in-depth interviews. Participants generally obtained their information about HIV/AIDS from television and radio, and the information they obtained was generally negative. AIDS was perceived as a disease associated with dirt, danger and death, although it was also considered to be a disease of karma (rok khong khon mee kam) and a 'woman's disease' (rok phu ying) associated with prostitution. Few women perceived themselves to be at risk of infection because they 'trusted' their husbands to be faithful. There were some differences in attitudes towards caring for AIDS patients among people who lived in semi-urban and rural areas, and with areas which had not yet experienced AIDS among community members. Focus group discussions clarified issues related to the illness and patterns of caregiving among men and women. Areas of misperception and confusion were identified and will be used for interventions.