Health seeking behavior and experiences related to HIV treatment of people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Yangon, Myanmar

This study aims to examine health seeking behavior and HIV treatment experiences among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Yangon, Myanmar. To investigate health seeking behavior, face-to-face structure interview was conducted among 246 participants, recruited from the selected 4 self-health groups (SHG) in Yangon. In-depth interview was conducted among 10 PLHIV to explore experiences regarding HIV treatment. Majority of our participants (62%) in the structured interview were key populations with the mean duration of HIV diagnosis of 8.5 years. We found that International nongovernmental organization (INGO)/nongovernmental organization (NGO) clinics were the main sources for diagnosis (73.2%). Similarly, INGO/NGO clinics were mentioned as the first treatment facility by most participants (85.0%), followed by public facilities (10.2%). Status of key population, education, place of diagnosis, duration of HIV infected, and person who motivated for seeking treatment influenced preferences for first treatment facility. Main reasons for seeking care at the treatment facility were confidentiality, suggested from others, and comfort and warm service. About 65% and 35% mentioned that their current treatment facilities were INGO/NGO clinic, and public facilities, respectively. Place of first treatment facility was the important factor predicting preference for current treatment facility. Stigma and discrimination as well as feeling inconveniences during treatment services were identified. Positive experiences at INGO/NGO was mentioned.