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Reflections in Thailand.

An account is presented of the experiences of a nurse attending a 3-day AIDS conference for nurses and health personnel in Thailand. The conference was sponsored by the National Science and Technical Development Agency. The aim was to exchange information among the 100 participants of whom only 1 had any real experience with an AIDS patient. Conference presentations were very formal and questions were not solicited from the audience. The tone was patient quiet and friendly. The situation in Thailand reflects variability in impact; there were some regions reporting that 50% of their population is HIV positive. The obvious reason is prostitution which is politically and culturally supported. Economic demands must be considered in dealing with the problems. Of the HIV-positive population few have begun to show symptoms. Nurses in rural areas are preparing for the challenges which will include sizable numbers of women and children. Touring the 700-bed hospital on the Srinakarind campus of the university was a contrast from the pristine hospital settings of the US. There were open air courtyards and dogs and cats freely wandered the corridors. There were many large open wards and small rooms. Most of the beds were occupied. There were similarities in the way departments were set up e.g. surgery intensive care unit emergency room X-ray and central supply. There was even the internationally recognizable grease board that is usually on almost every nursing unit. Nurses wore the traditional white and worked in the heat and open air. There was the tug of familiarity in routine that made it hard not to want to join in. The experience had a profound effect. The view of another culture broadens ones perspective and shows the universality of health care issues. The experience ties in with nurses contributing to organizations that encourage international exchange. There are many opportunities for working in other countries taking internationally oriented classes or attending the upcoming International Council of Nurses convention in Madrid.