The relationship between HIV stigma and adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) drug therapy among women with HIV in Lampung, Indonesia

• DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2019.04.138
• Publication Date: 2019-07-15T17:14:20Z
• Authors: Firhan Nurfalah; Sri Yona; Agung Waluyo
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; 3. Good health

Abstract Objective The aim of our study was to examine the relationship between HIV stigma and adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) therapy among women with HIV. Method 120 women with HIV involved in this cross-sectional study. The participant were outpatients at the Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) Abdul Moeloek Hospital in Lampung, Indonesia. Results We examined data from 120 patients. Through chi-squared tests, a statistically significant correlation between HIV stigma and adherence to ARV therapy was revealed (p-value = 0.045; OR 2.274) women with low levels of stigma toward HIV demonstrated adherence to ARV treatment that was 2.27 times greater than that of women with high levels of stigma toward HIV. Conclusions One way to increase adherence to ARV therapy in women with HIV is by minimizing its stigma. This can be done by increasing their self-confidence and not differentiating between people living with HIV and others in the provision of health services.