Pemaknaan Obat Antiretroviral Bagi Sekelompok Orang dengan HIV–AIDS di Kota Bandung, Cimahi, Denpasar dan Kabupaten Badung (The Meaning Of Antiretroviral For People Living With HIV–AIDS In Bandung, Cimahi, Denpasar, And Badung Districts)

Abstract

Background: Antiretroviral (ARV) is the drug to reduce varemia and enhances CD4+ level. ARV cannot cure HIVAIDSbut it increases the life expectancy of people living with HIV-AIDS (PLHA). ARV is a lifetime treatment that needs ahigh adherence. The meaning of ARV which vulnerable to low adherence is related to stigma and discrimination. It is alsorelated to the changing of life pattern in which taking ARV is considered as a burden. This research suggests the needto include the meaning of ARV for a successful therapy. Because using ARV for a long time can make PLHAs feel boringand sometimes they drop out the treatment. Method: The research was conducted in Bandung, Cimahi, Denpasar andBadung districts in 2011. The subjects were 17 PLHAs consist of 9 females and 8 males, aged 20-42 years. Data werecollected by doing in depth interview which then analyzed with content analysis method. Results: The meanings of ARVwhich give positive impact on adherence including the function of ARV that not merely as medical stuff but also have thefunction related to psychological or spiritual meaning (miracle); the changing on life pattern (consider as a habit); and thehope for life (the second chance) Recommendations: The study recommends to include the meaning of ARV related to the function on spiritual/psychological matter, the changing on life pattern and the hope for life other than just give councellingon medical function of ARVs and handling side effects