Determinants of Indonesian people attitudes towards people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA)

Introduction Negative attitudes toward people with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) can occur from various groups. Negative attitude from the community can affect the psychological condition of people living with HIV. In addition, the reduction of stigma and discrimination in society is an important indicator to measure the success of prevention programs of HIV/AIDS. The objective of the study was to determine the factors associated with the Indonesian people towards PLWHA. Objective The purpose of this study assess the factors associated with the Indonesian people attitudes towards PLWHA. Methodology This study use secondary data sourced from the Indonesia Demographic Health Survey 2007 which was a cross-sectional study. The study population was married men and women between the ages of 15-54 years and they have ever been heard about HIV/AIDS. The total respondents were 20.465 people. Results More than half respondent (58,3,1%) showed behavioral discrimination or stigma to PLWHA (people with HIV/AIDS) or show a negative attitude. Most of respondents (61.1%) said it would keep confidential HIV-positive status for his family. They worry that if HIV-positive status to know other people will show a variety of unfair treatment towards them like a shunned, mocked up to the restriction of their rights. The majority of respondents also expressed do not want to buy vegetables from vendors who are HIV positive. The study found that Indonesian people attitudes towards PLWHA was significant associated with age, sex, place of residence, education, socioeconomic status, knowledge and perception. Conclusions Increased community knowledge necessary to reduce the negative stigma against PLWHA and provides a balanced source of information not only about the dangers of HIV/AIDS but also social aspects such as the behavior of PLWHA\u27s own discrimination or stigma they receive