First Model of One Stop Service for Drug Users in Drug Dependent Centers In Southern, Thailand

Abstract

Preventing an epidemic of HIV among drug injectors may not have prevented an AIDS epidemic in Thailand totally, but as the risky behavior among this group has not been addressed it does consequently stand out as a major cause of continued HIV transmission.  This qualitative study was done and a Rapid Situation Assessment was used in Drug Dependence Center Pattani. Fifty-six intravenous drug users (IDUs) were included in the service and all of them received service care (which was appropriate for all drug users) such as methadone maintenance, VCT/DCT testing for HIV screening, health education, TB care, ART, and Harm Reduction. Forty-five of the 56 subjects were admitted through legal channels. Sixteen of the 56 IDUs were HIV positive, and 3 of them had an opportunistic infection. Most of the subjects were satisfied with the services of the “One Stop Service”. The nurses accepted that it should be built into routine care. The subjects established a “self-help group” with good cooperation from all members. Currently we have 45 cases in the project and all of them are members of a self-help club and join in the meetings regularly.

Keywords: RSA (Rapid Situation Assessment), IDUs, one stop service, drug dependence center, HIV, VCT

(Voluntary Counseling and Testing)