DECLINING PREVALENCE OF HIV-1 INFECTION IN YOUNG THAI MEN

Objective: To evaluate trends in HIV-1 seroprevalence in Thailand. Des ign: HIV-1 serosurvey of successive cohorts of young Thai men entering service with the Royal Thai Army (RTA) between November 1989 and Nove mber 1994. Methods: In November 1989, the RTA Medical Department began routine HIV-1-antibody screening of men who were selected by lottery for conscription. Between November 1989 and November 1994, 311 108 you ng men were screened at induction. Demographic data were collected bet ween November 1991 and May 1993 and again in November 1994. Results: T he seroprevalence of HIV-1 among conscripts nationwide increased rapid ly from 0.5% in 1989 to 3.5% in 1992 and reached 3.7% in 1993. In 1994 , the overall prevalence decreased to 3.0%. The decrease was greatest in the upper North (from 12.4% in 1992 to 7.9% in 1994), where the pre valence has been the highest. However, decreases were observed in men from all regions of residence in the country, from both rural and urba n areas, and at all educational levels. Conclusions: The decline in pr evalence suggests declining incidence and that HIV control programs in Thailand are having an impact on the HIV epidemic.