HIV/AIDS Literacy Impact Towards the Self-Care Performance of People Live with HIV/AIDS in Indonesia

Abstract

The lack of health literacy has become a problem for HIV infected people. They were dependent on medical service and the low level of health status and the emergence of infection opportunities. They require an increase in health literacy to enable them to perform self-care. The study aims to describe the ability of health literacy of HIV/AIDS among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), and the health literacy impact on the PLWHA ability to perform self-care. The research used a qualitative approach. The subjects were PLWHAs, and Peer Support Groups, which were appointed by a snowball. The data collected by interview, observation, and focus group discussion. This study found that PLWHAs treat their problem with health literacy is based on medication and spiritual-religious values as well. Their health literacy also covers the corps handling and burial of infected patients. Secondly, PLWHAs have increased their ability and skill to perform self-care and self-care group. Self-care and self-care group can produce direct benefits in terms of health conditions, social, and economic situation.