HIV Test and Antiretroviral Treatment for Pregnant Women in Kota Kupang and Yayasan Bumi Sehat Ubud

Abstract

Housewives are the highest sufferers in 2013-2017 cumulative AIDS data in Indonesia. Prevention and Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) of HIV need to be completed proximately, especially on pregnant women. We conducted qualitative research about HIV test, ART and health services for pregnant women in Kota Kupang and Yayasan Bumi Sehat, Ubud. The research objective is to identify obstacles to HIV test and ART for pregnant women and to identify improvement model. Method: Research was accomplished through indepth interview and Focus Group Discussion. Topic of HIV test and ART in Kupang were asked to 55 respondents. HIV test and health service in Bumi Sehat were asked to 9 persons. Discussions were about the importance of HIV programs on pregnant women (PMTCT) and expectations/proposed models. Themes that come up then combined to be concluded and to make recommendation. Results: Pregnant women and their husband did not have complete knowledge of HIV and ART, while health officers doubted to give HIV test because of unprepared local policies and incomplete facilities. After given explanation, the husbands willing to support and suggest mobile clinic on weekend beside involvements of private clinics. However, pregnant women who were not officially married have difficulty getting support from their husbands. According to ART, stigma on HIV pregnant and postpartum women made them needs to move. Economy difficulty also hinders them. Bumi Sehat builds trust and loving relationship within staffs and with patients and family that their health services respected. After increasing community awareness, HIV test accepted by all for years. It is also integrated with health services. Committed HIV counselor that works also in hospital alleviates the referral of HIV cases. Conclusion: Obstacles to HIV test and ART for pregnant and postpartum women were incomplete knowledge of HIV and ART on community and lack of policy and facilities. To improve, it needs support from leaders, integrated health services, and a loving and trusted relationship within health workers and with their patients and family. The recommendation is good model of integrated health service for HIV test and ART on pregnant and postpartum women need to be established and supported by all.