Perceived the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Indonesia: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Rita Ismail; Sri Yona; Elly Nurachmah; Kathleen Norr; Joachim Voss

doi:10.32419/jppni.v11i2.969

Perceived the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Women Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Indonesia: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

Rita Ismail, Sri Yona, Elly Nurachmah, Kathleen Norr, Joachim Voss

Abstract

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia has greatly affected women living with HIV (WLWH).

Objective

This study explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on WLWH.

Methods
The study design was qualitative descriptive. A total of 11 WLWH participated in the study. Data collection was conducted in four cities in Indonesia including Tangerang, Jakarta, Mojokerto, and Samarinda. Semi-structured interviews with WLWH who actively received antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least 6 months prior to the pandemic were conducted via telephone and face to face. Data were analyzed using content analysis.

Results
Most of them were 35-45 years old, married, completed high school, and housewives. Five themes emerged including perceived vulnerability and adaptive ART adherence; the economic impacts of the pandemic; spousal and peer support for art continuity; impact on daily life and well-being; resilience through faith and acceptance of “takdir” (God and Destiny).

Conclusion

Despite socioeconomic and psychosocial challenges, participants described maintaining ART continuity through adaptive clinic procedures, personal routines, spousal or peer support, and religious coping. These findings suggest that flexible, culturally sensitive, and family-aware nursing approaches may help support WLWH during future healthcare disruptions.

Keywords

Adherence, COVID-19 pandemic, Indonesia, women living with HIV

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References

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.32419/jppni.v11i2.969