N. Sirisopana et al., CORRELATES OF HIV-1 SEROPOSITIVITY AMONG YOUNG MEN IN THAILAND, Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes and human retrovirology, 11(5), 1996, pp. 492-498
Geographic and demographic correlates of risk for HIV-1 seropositivity
were studied in 120,216 young men selected by lottery for service in
the Royal Thai Army (RTA). The study population consisted of men selec
ted between November 1991 and May 1993. Venous blood was collected at
induction, and a brief demographic questionnaire was administered. HIV
-1 seropositivity was established by Western blot confirmation of dupl
icate reactive ELISAs. Geographic variables provided the strongest cor
relate of risk, clearly distinguishing residents of the upper north, B
angkok, and the central region from the northeast. Overall 12.2% of me
n from the upper north were HIV-positive. Men who had lived in rural a
reas were at less risk in most regions of the country, but had equal r
isk in the upper north. Unmarried men and these with less education we
re at higher risk throughout the country, These data provide valuable
information on the prevalence of HIV infection in one segment of the g
eneral population. Continued surveillance of this group will facilitat
e evaluation of Thailand's response to the epidemic.