Perception of Health Services

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 113 views

The Influence of Predisposing Factors, Family Support, and Disease Levels on the Use of VCT in Medan City

Introduction

Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is a crucial facility in providing care, support, and treatment for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). Despite its importance, the utilization of VCT among PLWHA remains relatively low in Medan City. This study aims to analyze the effect of predisposing factors, family support, and disease levels on the use of VCT among PLWHA in Medan City.

Background

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were approximately 33.2 million PLWHA worldwide by the end of 2007. Indonesia recorded 17,207 cases, with Medan City having 916 PLWHA by February 2008. However, the use of VCT among PLWHA in Medan City was only about 4% by the end of 2006. This study aims to identify the factors that influence the use of VCT among PLWHA in Medan City.

Methodology

This study used a purposive sampling technique to select 50 PLWHA as the sample. The data obtained were analyzed using the Pearson correlation test and logistics regression. The results of the analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between several variables, including gender, marital status, employment status, perception of health services, family support, CD4 examination, and perception of the severity of the disease with the use of VCT.

Results

The results of the analysis showed that there was a significant relationship between several variables, including:

Gender: There was a significant relationship between gender and the use of VCT. Women were more likely to use VCT than men.
Marital Status: There was a significant relationship between marital status and the use of VCT. Married individuals were more likely to use VCT than unmarried individuals.
Employment Status: There was a significant relationship between employment status and the use of VCT. Employed individuals were more likely to use VCT than unemployed individuals.
Perception of Health Services: There was a significant relationship between perception of health services and the use of VCT. Individuals who had a positive view of the effectiveness and quality of health services were more likely to use VCT.
Family Support: There was a significant relationship between family support and the use of VCT. Individuals who received positive support from their family were more likely to use VCT.
CD4 Examination: There was a significant relationship between CD4 examination and the use of VCT. Individuals who had undergone CD4 examination were more likely to use VCT.
Perception of the Severity of the Disease: There was a significant relationship between perception of the severity of the disease and the use of VCT. Individuals who perceived their disease as severe were more likely to use VCT.

Discussion

The results of this study suggest that family support, perception of health services, and employment status are the most significant factors that influence the use of VCT among PLWHA in Medan City. These findings are consistent with previous studies that have shown that family support and perception of health services are crucial factors in the utilization of health services among PLWHA.

Conclusion

The low use of VCT in Medan City can be influenced by various social and psychological factors. Family support, perception of health services, and employment status are the most significant factors that influence the use of VCT among PLWHA in Medan City. Therefore, it is essential to improve service quality, including speed, accuracy of diagnosis, quality assurance, and good communication and more effective counseling. Additionally, involving the family in the ODHA care process can increase PLWHA's confidence and reduce the stigma they experience in the community.

Recommendations

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

Improve Service Quality: VCT management needs to improve service quality, including speed, accuracy of diagnosis, quality assurance, and good communication and more effective counseling.
Involve Family in ODHA Care Process: The family is expected to support emotionally and physically, such as accompanying PLWHA when visiting VCT.
Increase Awareness and Education: Increase awareness and education among PLWHA and the community about the importance of VCT and the benefits of using VCT services.
Reduce Stigma and Discrimination: Reduce stigma and discrimination against PLWHA in the community to increase their confidence and willingness to use VCT services.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small Sample Size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Selection Bias: The sample was selected using a purposive sampling technique, which may introduce selection bias.
Measurement Error: The measurement of the variables used in this study may be subject to measurement error.

Future Research Directions

Future research should aim to:

Increase Sample Size: Increase the sample size to improve the generalizability of the findings.
Use More Robust Sampling Technique: Use a more robust sampling technique, such as random sampling, to reduce selection bias.
Measure Variables More Accurately: Measure variables more accurately to reduce measurement error.
Explore Other Factors: Explore other factors that may influence the use of VCT among PLWHA in Medan City.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Influence of Predisposing Factors, Family Support, and Disease Levels on the Use of VCT in Medan City

Q: What is VCT and why is it important for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA)?

A: VCT stands for Voluntary Counseling and Testing, which is a facility that provides care, support, and treatment for PLWHA. VCT is important because it helps PLWHA to know their HIV status, receive counseling and support, and access treatment and care services.

Q: What are the predisposing factors that influence the use of VCT among PLWHA in Medan City?

A: The predisposing factors that influence the use of VCT among PLWHA in Medan City include age, type of genitals, marital status, occupation, education level, and perception of diseases and health services.

Q: What is the relationship between family support and the use of VCT among PLWHA in Medan City?

A: The results of this study show that family support is a significant factor that influences the use of VCT among PLWHA in Medan City. PLWHA who receive positive support from their family are more likely to use VCT services.

Q: What is the relationship between perception of health services and the use of VCT among PLWHA in Medan City?

A: The results of this study show that perception of health services is a significant factor that influences the use of VCT among PLWHA in Medan City. PLWHA who have a positive view of the effectiveness and quality of health services are more likely to use VCT services.

Q: What is the relationship between employment status and the use of VCT among PLWHA in Medan City?

A: The results of this study show that employment status is a significant factor that influences the use of VCT among PLWHA in Medan City. PLWHA who are employed are more likely to use VCT services.

Q: What are the implications of this study for VCT management and policy?

A: The findings of this study have implications for VCT management and policy. VCT management should improve service quality, including speed, accuracy of diagnosis, quality assurance, and good communication and more effective counseling. Additionally, involving the family in the ODHA care process can increase PLWHA's confidence and reduce the stigma they experience in the community.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: This study has several limitations, including a small sample size, selection bias, and measurement error.

Q: What are the future research directions for this study?

A: Future research should aim to increase the sample size, use a more robust sampling technique, measure variables more accurately, and explore other factors that may influence the use of VCT among PLWHA in Medan City.

Q: What are the recommendations for VCT management and policy based on the findings of this study?

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

Improve service quality, including speed, accuracy of diagnosis, quality assurance, and good communication and more effective counseling.
Involve family in the ODHA care process to increase PLWHA's confidence and reduce the stigma they experience in the community.
Increase awareness and education among PLWHA and the community about the importance of VCT and the benefits of using VCT services.
Reduce stigma and discrimination against PLWHA in the community to increase their confidence and willingness to use VCT services.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the community and society?

A: The findings of this study have implications for the community and society. The study highlights the importance of family support, perception of health services, and employment status in influencing the use of VCT among PLWHA in Medan City. The study also emphasizes the need to improve service quality, involve family in the ODHA care process, increase awareness and education, and reduce stigma and discrimination against PLWHA in the community.