In regions heavily affected, the HIV epidemic had a huge impact at the individual, families, society and health care levels. Since October 2005, access to antiretroviral treatments has been incorporated under the universal health coverage system in Thailand transforming the disease from a fatal to a chronic disease. The LIWA project was primarily designed to investigate the impact of antiretroviral treatments on the lives of the HIV-infected adults and more broadly of their families and their communities. The study comprises two quantitative life-event history surveys: one of persons living with HIV/AIDS (Cases) receiving antiretroviral treatment (completed in November 2007); and the second conducted in the autumn of 2008 on a sample of the general population (controls), matched on the village of residence, sex and age of the previously interviewed HIV-infected respondents

Results
- 513 patients and 500 controls were interviewed.

• A gender-based analysis indicates that women have more and earlier access to HIV testing and ARV treatment than men (Le Coeur S et al. Soc Sci & Med, 2009, 69 (6): 846–853).
• We also analyzed the intergenerational relationships of HIV-infected patients. The regained health allows them to work, take care of their family and fulfill their filial duties as expected in the Thai society (Lelièvre E, et al.Ageing & Society. May 2011, pp 1-25)
• Despite fear of stigmatization, the study indicates a high rate of disclosure of HIV status to partners and relatives (CEPED Working Paper n°16, Sept 2011. http://www.ceped.org/?Revelation-du-statut-serologique)

Supported by ANRS 12141

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