Mothers living with HIV who care for children with the same condition face unique challenges that require specific coping strategies to maintain their own health and wellbeing, as well as that of their children. In Indonesia, where HIV prevalence continues to rise, understanding these coping strategies is crucial to improving the quality of life for affected families. This qualitative study, published in BMC Women’s Health, explores the coping strategies used by these mothers in Indonesia and sheds light on the obstacles they face in accessing support and resources. By highlighting the experiences of these women, the authors hope to inform interventions that better equip mothers and families to manage the daily challenges of living with HIV.
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) is dedicated to ending the global HIV/AIDS epidemic by 2030. To achieve this goal, UNAIDS closely monitors and promotes awareness of global HIV/AIDS statistics and facts.
According to the 2020 UNAIDS data report, there were an estimated 38 million people living with HIV globally in 2019, including 1.7 million new infections and 690,000 AIDS-related deaths. Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region most affected by HIV/AIDS, with 25.7 million people living with the virus in 2019. However, the report highlights progress in the global HIV response, including a decline in new infections at a rate of 23% and a decrease in AIDS-related deaths by 39% since 2010.
A recent study in The Lancet HIV conducted subnational mapping of HIV incidence and mortality among individuals aged 15-49 years in Sub-Saharan Africa from 2000 to 2018. The study concluded that HIV incidence and mortality rates had decreased, but significant disparities exist between nations, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions in HIV prevention and management.
In Indonesia, UNAIDS data shows a steady increase in new infections among key populations, including men who have sex with men, people who inject drugs, and sex workers. The Ministry of Health in Indonesia has reported that there were 909 new HIV infections reported in the first quarter of 2021, with over 50% of those cases attributed to sexual transmission.
Living with HIV can have a significant impact on mental health and social well-being. Studies have identified several factors associated with emotional distress and depression among women living with HIV, including stigma, discrimination, lack of social support, and poor coping mechanisms.
Research conducted in Indonesia found that HIV stigma and discrimination by healthcare providers, families, and communities pose significant challenges for people living with HIV, affecting treatment adherence and access to care. Additionally, studies have highlighted cultural and religious determinants of HIV transmission in Indonesia.
To address the complex challenges associated with HIV/AIDS, a multi-disciplinary approach is necessary, focusing on prevention, treatment, and supportive interventions for mental health and social well-being. The UNAIDS global strategy, 90-90-90, aims to achieve 90% of people living with HIV aware of their status, 90% of those diagnosed receiving sustained antiretroviral treatment, and 90% achieving viral suppression by 2020. While this target was not achieved, progress has been made in reducing new infections and improving the quality of life for those living with HIV.
Research has shown that meaningful coping mechanisms, such as social support, religion, and meaning-making, can promote resilience and contribute to the positive mental health of people living with HIV.
There is a need for continued research to better understand the complex interplay between HIV/AIDS, mental health, and social well-being, as well as the cultural and social determinants that continue to drive the epidemic. Combining quantitative and qualitative research methods can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the experiences of people living with HIV and the impact HIV has on mental health and social well-being.
In conclusion, while significant progress has been made in the global HIV response, challenges persist, particularly in key populations and low-income countries. Maintaining a focus on prevention, treatment, and supportive interventions for mental health and social well-being is essential to ending the HIV epidemic.
