Education about HIV Risk Factors

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 86 views

HIV Risk Factors for Male Sex Men (LSL) at Medan City Puskesmas in January-August 2019: A Study on the Prevalence and Prevention of HIV/AIDS

Introduction

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a serious global health problem that affects individuals from various age groups. The prevalence of HIV and AIDS is increasing, especially among male sex men (LSL), which is classified as a high-risk population. This study aims to identify HIV risk factors in LSL at the Medan City Health Center during the period January to August 2019.

Background

HIV is a virus that attacks white blood cells, resulting in a decrease in the immune system. The virus can infect individuals through various means, including unprotected sex, sharing needles, and mother-to-child transmission. In recent years, the prevalence of HIV and AIDS has increased globally, with a significant number of cases reported among LSL. This population is considered high-risk due to their behavior and lifestyle, which increases their vulnerability to HIV infection.

Methodology

This study uses an analytic survey method with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 100 respondents were selected using the Consecutive Sampling technique. Data was collected through interviews with questionnaires that have been prepared and then analyzed using univariate and bivariate methods. For bivariate analysis, the Chi-Square statistical test and simple logistics regression were used with a significance level of 0.05.

Results

The results of this study showed that there were several significant factors related to HIV cases in LSL. First, there is a significant relationship between work and HIV risk (p = 0.010; Rp = 1,912). This shows that the type of work can affect HIV risk exposure, perhaps due to access to different health information or varying levels of education among various work sectors.

The Impact of Work on HIV Risk

The type of work can affect HIV risk exposure, perhaps due to access to different health information or varying levels of education among various work sectors. This is evident in the significant relationship between work and HIV risk (p = 0.010; Rp = 1,912). For instance, individuals working in the entertainment industry may be more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors, such as unprotected sex, due to the nature of their work.

The Importance of Condom Use

The use of condoms has a large impact on the risk of HIV infection (p <0.001; Rp = 1,954). This emphasizes the importance of education about the method of protection during sexual intercourse. Stagnation in the use of condoms can result in an increased risk of HIV transmission. Therefore, it is essential to educate individuals about the importance of condom use and provide access to condoms to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.

The Relationship Between Changing Sexual Partners and HIV Risk

The relationship with changing sexual partners also shows significant results (p <0.001; Rp = 2,697). This pattern of sexual behavior shows how unstable intimate relationships can increase the possibility of exposure to the HIV virus, especially if there is no adequate precautions. Therefore, it is essential to educate individuals about the risks associated with changing sexual partners and the importance of using protection during sexual intercourse.

The Role of Sexual Status or Role in HIV Risk

Finally, sexual status or role also contributes to HIV risk (p = 0.007; Rp = 1,430). This shows that identity and role in sexual relations can affect individual vulnerability to infection. For instance, individuals who identify as gay or bisexual may be more likely to engage in high-risk behaviors due to stigma and discrimination.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of identifying HIV risk factors in LSL at the Medan City Health Center. The results show that work, condom use, changing sexual partners, and sexual status or role are significant factors related to HIV cases in LSL. Therefore, it is essential to educate and raise awareness among families and communities, especially to the head of the family regarding HIV/AIDS. Preventive measures taken by the Government and Medan City Health Office are also very necessary in distributing relevant and accurate information regarding HIV/AIDS. Social campaigns to change the behavior of NSLs, especially among young people, are very important to break the chain of HIV/AIDS transmission.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Education and Awareness: Educate and raise awareness among families and communities, especially to the head of the family regarding HIV/AIDS.
Preventive Measures: Preventive measures taken by the Government and Medan City Health Office are also very necessary in distributing relevant and accurate information regarding HIV/AIDS.
Social Campaigns: Social campaigns to change the behavior of NSLs, especially among young people, are very important to break the chain of HIV/AIDS transmission.
Access to Condoms: Provide access to condoms to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
Education about HIV Risk Factors: Educate individuals about the risks associated with changing sexual partners and the importance of using protection during sexual intercourse.

By implementing these recommendations, it is possible to reduce the level of HIV prevalence among LSLs and other high-risk groups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about HIV Risk Factors for Male Sex Men (LSL) at Medan City Puskesmas in January-August 2019

Q: What is HIV and how does it affect the body?

A: HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, specifically the white blood cells called CD4 cells. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), a condition where the body's immune system is severely weakened, making it difficult to fight off infections and diseases.

Q: What are the risk factors for HIV infection among male sex men (LSL)?

A: The risk factors for HIV infection among LSL include:

Work: The type of work can affect HIV risk exposure, perhaps due to access to different health information or varying levels of education among various work sectors.
Condom use: The use of condoms has a large impact on the risk of HIV infection.
Changing sexual partners: The relationship with changing sexual partners also shows significant results, indicating that unstable intimate relationships can increase the possibility of exposure to the HIV virus.
Sexual status or role: Sexual status or role also contributes to HIV risk, showing that identity and role in sexual relations can affect individual vulnerability to infection.

Q: How can individuals reduce their risk of HIV infection?

A: Individuals can reduce their risk of HIV infection by:

Using condoms: Using condoms consistently and correctly can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
Getting tested: Getting tested for HIV regularly can help identify infection early and prevent transmission to others.
Practicing safe sex: Practicing safe sex, including using condoms and limiting the number of sexual partners, can reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
Seeking education and support: Seeking education and support from healthcare providers, community organizations, and support groups can help individuals make informed decisions about their sexual health.

Q: What are the symptoms of HIV infection?

A: The symptoms of HIV infection can vary from person to person and may not appear immediately after infection. Common symptoms include:

Flu-like symptoms: Fever, chills, and fatigue are common symptoms of HIV infection.
Swollen lymph nodes: Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin can be a symptom of HIV infection.
Skin rashes: Skin rashes or lesions can be a symptom of HIV infection.
Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of HIV infection.

Q: How can individuals get tested for HIV?

A: Individuals can get tested for HIV at:

Healthcare providers: Healthcare providers, including primary care physicians and specialists, can provide HIV testing and counseling.
Community health clinics: Community health clinics and health departments often offer free or low-cost HIV testing and counseling.
Private testing centers: Private testing centers and laboratories can provide HIV testing and counseling.
Online testing services: Online testing services and home testing kits can provide HIV testing and counseling.

Q: What are the treatment options for HIV infection?

A: The treatment options for HIV infection include:

Antiretroviral therapy (ART): ART is a combination of medications that can suppress the virus and prevent the progression of HIV to AIDS.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP): PrEP is a medication that can prevent HIV infection in individuals who are at high risk of infection.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): PEP is a medication that can prevent HIV infection in individuals who have been exposed to the virus through sex or needle sharing.

Q: How can individuals access HIV treatment and care?

A: Individuals can access HIV treatment and care through:

Healthcare providers: Healthcare providers, including primary care physicians and specialists, can provide HIV treatment and care.
Community health clinics: Community health clinics and health departments often offer free or low-cost HIV treatment and care.
Private treatment centers: Private treatment centers and hospitals can provide HIV treatment and care.
Online treatment services: Online treatment services and telemedicine can provide HIV treatment and care.