Abstract

FAMILY AND CHILDREN AFFECTED BY HIV AND AIDS IN INDONESIA*

By

Sabarinah Prasetyo, Evi Martha, Toha Muhaimin, Yudarini, Heru Suparno

Background: Up to June 2006, the cumulative HIV cases reported from almost all provinces in Indonesia those are 4,527 while the cumulative AIDS cases are reportedly 6,332 (MOH, 2006). The high risk groups reported are mostly sex workers and injecting drug users. For those cases having families, HIV&AIDS related problems may also extend to and affect the children living in the household. The HIV&AIDS affected children are then becoming vulnerable with various potential problems such as psychosocial distress, economic difficulties, health related problems, educational disturbance, lack of care or becoming orphans. In addition to those, high level of stigma and discrimination against infected people and their children complicate these problems and may negatively influences efforts at prevention, care and support of the children.

Objective: In general, the study would look at the impact of the case of HIV and AIDS in the household to the child.

Method: The survey cover 7 provinces in Indonesia reported highest cases in each province. Population survey are Index population and Reference population. Index population was defined as household with, among the members: a). at least one was HIV positive or had been died from AIDS-related complications, whether or not that person was then living in the same household as the child; and b). at least one child lived in the household aged between 5 to18 years old. Reference population which serves as a comparison population and was defined as comprised of households which: a).none of whose members’ HIV status was known or positive, b). whose household were located in the same neighborhood as households in the index population, c). having 5 to 18 years old child/ children (or adolescents) living in these households; and d). were matched with the education (lower than or high school or higher groups) and age (younger than 40 and 40 years and older groups) of the head of household of the index population. Total samples are 693 respondents on index population and 691 respondents on reference population. A qualitative approach was used in complement to quantitative study. The qualitative study used methods of in-depth interview to stakeholders. In addition, focused group discussion (FGD) comprising of 8 informants in each group was carried out as well. UI researchers and local provincial researcher as counterpart did together the in-depth interview and focus group discussion in each province. The in-depths interview was conducted to stakeholders at national, provincial, and district level. Overall, 276 informants from seven provinces and fourteen districts or municipalities were covered, as well as 28 focus group discussions.  The FGDs were employed to groups of community leaders and PLWHA.

Result:

1.  The household with and without case of HIV and AIDS mostly are under the poverty line; The economic condition of household with case was worsening

2.  The impact on child education in household with case of HIV and AIDS is indicated by the data, such as withdraw from school and low academic performance.  Hospitalization in the last one year is obvious. The child psychological disturbance is reflected by more anxiety and low self concept.

3.  Family in household with case of HIV and AIDS tried to overcome the socioeconomic condition as well as problems in child care. Care givers of child in household with cases majority are parents or relatives, who have knowledge level on HIV and AIDS higher. Their concern on psychological aspect is still low.

4.  Government and Non-government organization have supported the households with and without cases of HIV and AIDS. Askeskin is not well distributed, as well as other kind of support (such as raskin and educational support). NGO plays bigger role in providing counseling, support group and training.

*Colaboration CHR-UI with UNICEF Indonesia