HIV examination as early as possible

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 66 views

Introduction

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a serious and urgent health problem throughout the world, both in developed and developing countries. The increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS has become a major concern for public health, and it is essential to identify the factors related to its incidence among women of fertile age (WUS). This study aims to investigate the factors related to the incidence of HIV/AIDS among WUS who visited the VCT clinic of H Adam Malik Hospital in Medan in 2016.

Background

HIV/AIDS is a global health crisis that affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were approximately 38 million people living with HIV/AIDS in 2019. In Indonesia, the number of people living with HIV/AIDS is also increasing, with a total of 4,931 patients undergoing HIV treatment at the VCT clinic of H Adam Malik Hospital in Medan in 2015. The majority of these patients were male (71.77%), while 28.22% were female. This study aims to identify the factors related to the incidence of HIV/AIDS among WUS who visited the VCT clinic in 2016.

Methodology

This study uses an analytic research design with a cross-sectional approach. The research population includes all women of fertile age (15-49 years old) who came to the VCT clinic of H Adam Malik Hospital in Medan in August 2016. A total of 44 respondents were taken through the purposive sampling method. Data analysis was carried out using the Chi-Square test.

Results

The results of this study showed that the highest proportion of WUS was in the age range of 30-39 years (47.8%). In terms of work, the majority of respondents worked as housewives (54.5%), with a high school education level of 59.1%. Most respondents were also recorded as married (81.8%), had good knowledge about HIV/AIDS (61.4%), a quite positive attitude (54.6%), and took adequate precautions (54.5 %). Meanwhile, the risk factor for HIV transmission comes from heterosexual relationships (91.0%).

Discussion

Although there are many factors analyzed, this study found that there was no significant relationship between age, work, education, marital status, knowledge, and attitudes with HIV/AIDS events. However, there is a clear relationship between precautions taken and HIV/AIDS events. This shows that the prevention efforts made by individuals can directly affect the risk of HIV infection.

Recommendations

For the VCT Clinic of H Adam Malik Hospital, it is recommended to be more active in making outreach to the community, providing counseling on HIV/AIDS, and encouraging people to do HIV tests regularly. For women of childbearing age, it is recommended to do HIV examination as early as possible so that they can immediately get the right treatment. Further research is also expected to be done to explore more about aspects that contribute to HIV control among women of childbearing age in Indonesia.

Conclusion

With the increasing awareness and knowledge of HIV/AIDS as well as more effective preventive measures, it is expected to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS and improve the quality of life of women of childbearing age in the country. This study provides valuable insights into the factors related to the incidence of HIV/AIDS among WUS and highlights the importance of prevention efforts in reducing the risk of HIV infection.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. Firstly, the sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings. Secondly, the study only focused on women of fertile age, which may not be representative of the broader population. Finally, the study did not control for other potential confounding variables that may affect the relationship between precautions taken and HIV/AIDS events.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to explore more about aspects that contribute to HIV control among women of childbearing age in Indonesia. This may include investigating the effectiveness of different prevention strategies, such as condom use and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Additionally, research should focus on identifying the factors that contribute to the low uptake of HIV testing among women of childbearing age.

References

World Health Organization. (2019). HIV/AIDS.
Ministry of Health of Indonesia. (2015). National HIV/AIDS Response Plan 2015-2019.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). HIV/AIDS Basics.

Q: What is HIV/AIDS and why is it a serious health problem?

A: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a serious and urgent health problem throughout the world, both in developed and developing countries. HIV attacks the body's immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections and diseases.

Q: What are the risk factors for HIV transmission?

A: The risk factors for HIV transmission include heterosexual relationships, unprotected sex, sharing needles or syringes, and mother-to-child transmission.

Q: What is the importance of HIV testing?

A: HIV testing is crucial in identifying individuals who are infected with HIV, allowing them to receive treatment and prevent the transmission of the virus to others.

Q: What are the benefits of early HIV testing?

A: Early HIV testing can help individuals receive treatment and prevent the progression of the disease to AIDS. It can also help prevent the transmission of the virus to others.

Q: What are the prevention efforts that can reduce the risk of HIV infection?

A: Prevention efforts that can reduce the risk of HIV infection include condom use, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), needle exchange programs, and HIV testing and counseling.

Q: What is the role of women in preventing HIV/AIDS?

A: Women play a crucial role in preventing HIV/AIDS by practicing safe sex, getting tested for HIV, and seeking treatment if infected.

Q: What are the challenges faced by women of fertile age in preventing HIV/AIDS?

A: Women of fertile age may face challenges such as lack of access to HIV testing and treatment, stigma and discrimination, and limited knowledge about HIV/AIDS.

Q: What are the recommendations for the VCT Clinic of H Adam Malik Hospital?

A: The VCT Clinic of H Adam Malik Hospital should be more active in making outreach to the community, providing counseling on HIV/AIDS, and encouraging people to do HIV tests regularly.

Q: What are the recommendations for women of childbearing age?

A: Women of childbearing age should do HIV examination as early as possible so that they can immediately get the right treatment.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should aim to explore more about aspects that contribute to HIV control among women of childbearing age in Indonesia, including investigating the effectiveness of different prevention strategies and identifying the factors that contribute to the low uptake of HIV testing among women of childbearing age.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including a relatively small sample size, a focus on women of fertile age, and the lack of control for other potential confounding variables.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: This study provides valuable insights into the factors related to the incidence of HIV/AIDS among women of fertile age and highlights the importance of prevention efforts in reducing the risk of HIV infection.