Study on Factors Related with HIV Among Women in West Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract

Introduction: 

According to national data, West Kalimantan is one of the ten top provinces that reported AIDS cases, ranked eighth. Until December 2019, based on data recorded in the Provincial Health Office that reported to the Indonesia Ministry of Health, the AIDS case rate in West Kalimantan was 49.35, showing over the national AIDS case rate (38.93). In this study, an unmatched case control determines the factors associated with HIV/AIDS among women in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. 

Methods

The study was conducted among 90 women who tested positive for HIV/AIDS (cases) and 90 who tested negative for HIV/AIDS (controls). Data were collected using questionnaires from June 2019 to August 2019 at three community health centres in West Kalimantan. Data were analysed using IBM Statistical Package Social Science (SPSS) 19. Descriptive analyses and Multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to examine the factors associated with HIV/AIDS. Results: This study has found a significant association between some crucial aspects such as marital status, occupation, knowledge about HIV/AIDS, HIV treatment, and VCT (Voluntary Counseling and Testing) service program with cases of HIV/AIDS. A significant association between marital statuses with HIV/AIDS suggests that divorced/widowed have a higher risk of having HIV/AIDS, followed by the married group. Women with good educational backgrounds are likely to know about the measures to prevent HIV infection and take preventive measures to protect themselves. 

Conclusions

Some factors are significantly related to HIV/AIDS. Thus, educating women about sex could potentially decrease the number of HIV/AIDS cases.

Keywords: HIV, AIDS, VCT, Women