Analysis of Coping Strategies and Self-Stigma Among People Living with HIV (PLHIV): A Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction People living with HIV (PLHIV) generally experience physical and psychological stress, often including self-stigma, which impedes their ability to seek treatment and reveal their status. Implementing effective coping strategies helps them manage these impacts on well-being. However, research that explores coping strategies and self-stigma in newly diagnosed people with HIV in Indonesia is still limited. Objective This study aimed to investigate the relationship between coping strategies and self-stigma in people living with HIV. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Poncol and Halmahera Public Health Centers in Semarang City, Indonesia, involving 150 PLHIV diagnosed for no more than one year. This study used the Way of Coping Questionnaire and Self-Stigma Questionnaire as instruments. Data were analyzed using the Sommers test. Results The majority of respondents, accounting for 64.7%, had low coping strategies, while 74% experienced self-stigma in the high category. The correlation test results revealed a p-value of 0.001 with a correlation strength of 0.375, falling within the moderate category. Conclusion It is concluded that there is a relationship between coping strategies and self-stigma among PLHIV.