Attempt to Optimize the Role of Peer Support Group (PSG) in Increasing the Quality-of-Life Persons Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) Through the Revitalization of Peer Support Activities Program in Pati Regency

Abstract

It is well-known that People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are denied and
avoided by their own families. This is a very heavy social burden that must be
borne by PLWHA. Therefore, the role of Peer Support Groups (PSG) as
community empowerment is very important to improve the living quality of
PLWHA. In this study, community service activities were conducted to
optimize the role of PSG in improving the living quality of PLWHA in Pati
Regency. Currently, Pati is the fourth highest city with PLWHA in Central Java,
Indonesia. The community service utilized guidance participation, which
prioritizes the involvement of the community in the activities. The
implementation involved analytical methods for problem-solving and
completion of the study. Two meetings were held at the Voluntary Counselling
and Testing (VCT) Clinic of Soewondo Pati Hospital. In average, one activity
was attended by 5-8 participants. They are the volunteer members from PSG
Rumah Matahari. The meetings focused on brainstorming sessions and on
providing counselling about the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission
(PMTCT) program, which aimed to enhance knowledge about PMTCT among
PSG Rumah Matahari volunteers, especially in assisting pregnant women with
PLWHA. The results show that the community service activities successfully
highlighted the importance of PSG in improving the quality of life for PLWHA.
The PMTCT program was well understood by the PSG Rumah Matahari
volunteers, indicating the effectiveness of the training.