Challenges and social support provisions in the treatment of HIV infected children in Indonesia

Background:The treatment of HIV infected children is a challenge to their caregiver due to many existing problems related to their health. Methods: A research to explore the experience and social support on the treatment of HIV infected children was conducted in 5 provinces in Indonesia with highest prevalence of HIV. Total children sample was 239 out of previous 267 planned. Data was collected through semi structured interviews with caregivers of the children. The analysis was conducted to 165 children aged 1-14 years old who were on antiretroviral therapy. Results: Among those 165 children, 63.6% took 1-2 items of medicines and 36.4% took 3-5 items. The most frequent adverse events were skin rash followed by nausea and vomiting. Boredom and questioning were the most frequent difficulties experienced by children aged 5-14 years old. The caregivers attempted to continue the treatment by reminding the children on schedule to take medicines, wheedling, explaining, forcing or even threatening them. The difficulties appeared more as the children grew older. The most frequent supports mainly came from parents, and extended family such as grandmother or uncle especially for orphaned children. Conclusion: Understanding obstacles in HIV infected children will help to do proper interventions to improve adherence that will lead to successful therapy. (Health Science Journal of Indonesia 2019;10(2):103-10)