OPTIMALISASI PEMBERDAYAAN ORANG DENGAN HIV/AIDS MELALUI KELOMPOK DUKUNGAN SEBAYA PADA KELOMPOK “SPIRIT PELANGI” KABUPATEN NGANJUK

AIDS can be interpreted as a collection of symptoms or diseases caused by decreased immunity due to infection with the HIV virus. The quality of life of PLWHA (People Living with HIV/AIDS) is very vulnerable to decline due to physical, psychological, and social problems. Nganjuk Regency is not free from this problem. In fact, Nganjuk Regency has a fairly large percentage of its population infected with AIDS. the current number of sufferers, shows a very fantastic number. If in June 2014 there were 509 HIV/AIDS positive sufferers, 2020 has reached more than 1500 HIV/AIDS sufferers in Nganjuk Regency, from a total of 543,075 spread throughout Indonesia. This study aims to provide insight into optimizing the role of peer support groups with quality of life in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Qualitative research approach with descriptive type. Peer Support Group (KDS) is a collection of people who have a common awareness of membership and interact with each other. Optimizing empowerment in the form of Peer Support Groups is one way to overcome the spread of HIV/AIDS. The research method used is qualitative and descriptive, obtains data by interview, produces data in the form of descriptive questions and answers that are in accordance with field conditions and makes agreements that have been agreed upon by various related parties to obtain valid data. The quality of life of people living with HIV will improve with the existence of peer support groups in the implementation of the 5 pillars, namely having self-confidence, having basic knowledge of HIV, having access to support services, treatment, and care, not transmitting the virus to others, and doing positive activities. The existence of KDS has a very large effect on the lives of PLWHA and the general public. It is hoped that the network will be wider and easier to access to support the quality of life of PLWHA