ABSTRACT
@# Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has proved beneficial by decreasing mortality and increasing the quality of life of people living with HIV infection (PLWH). However, long time medication requires good adherence and strong commitment from the patients so that they take ART medication on time to achieve long-term viral suppression. This study aims to examine the level of adherence to ART and its associated factors among PLWH. Methods: A cross-sectional design was conducted at three HIV clinics in West Java Province, Indonesia. People diagnosed with HIV, aged over 18 years old, who had undertaken antiretroviral treatment for at least six months were recruited for this study. Adherence to ART was measured using self-reported measurement and a visual analogue scale (VAS). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression analyses. Results: There were 122 PLWH purposively recruited from three HIV- Clinics in West Java Province, Indonesia. The results showed that above half of the respondents showed good adherence to ART. Adherence was significantly associated with depression and perceived stigma. Stigma was found to be an independent predictor of adherence to ART. Conclusions: Routine assessment of adherence in clinical practice is essential to identify people at risk of treatment failure. This is crucial to an effective strategy aimed at promoting zero stigma in Indonesia.
ABSTRACT
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) have obtained a great deal of attention worldwide over the past three decades. Numerous studies have been conducted to address this pandemic virus and disease, yet the number of infected individuals is increasing, particularly in developing countries, including those that are predominantly Muslim. Muslims historically have shown a unique response to HIV/AIDS due to their belief that their Islamic faith protects them from contracting the virus. Therefore, understanding the interface, among cultural beliefs, prevention and care for individuals with HIV/AIDS, is crucial for health care providers to develop culturally appropriate models of prevention, care and treatment. However, care that is culturally congruent for individuals with HIV/AIDS remains largely unexplored among Muslims in Asia. The purpose of this review of the literature was to examine cultural beliefs in relation to caring practices for people with HIV/AIDS in Muslim communities in Asia. Recommendations and implications for health care providers are highlighted, and the need for future research is suggested.
ABSTRACT
This study aimed to examine the relationships between coping and the quality of life among Indonesians undergoing hemodialysis. Ninety-one Indonesians undergoing hemodialysis were recruited purposively from three hemodialysis units in Bandung, Indonesia. Subjects were asked to complete the Jalowiec Coping Scale and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief. Findings revealed a negative relationship between the subjects’ affective focus coping scores and quality of life scores. No significant association was found between the quality of life scores and either the problem-solving focus scores or the total coping scores. The findings support the notion that using affective focus coping might have a negative effect on quality of life when used for long periods and the problem is not resolved. Nurses regularly should assess the coping strategies of individuals undergoing hemodialysis and facilitate their appropriate coping strategies.