Perceptions of and barriers to HIV testing of women in Indonesia

Najmah, Najmah (2020) Perceptions of and barriers to HIV testing of women in Indonesia. Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters, 28 (2). pp. 284-297.

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Abstract

Indonesia’s 2014 health reforms advocated for universal health coverage for all Indonesians. The reforms made provision for integrated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) programmes, with testing available at community health centres and hospitals for pregnant women and women of childbearing age. The question remains, though, as to whether testing has been effective. This article focuses on barriers women face accessing HIV testing and presents findings from the experiences of 18 HIV-positive women. To triangulate findings, interviews were conducted with 26 health workers, 9 non-governmental organisation workers and 12 HIV stakeholders. The article examines barriers to pregnant women’s access to HIV tests, showing that barriers relate to women not having reproductive health rights. It highlights reproductive rights noted in the Respectful Maternity Care Charter, and violations to them relevant to HIV testing in pregnancy. Five reported rights violations include: women being unable to access information; being unable to make informed decisions; having no right to confidentiality and privacy; experiencing ongoing discrimination; and having no right to timely HIV testing. The failure of Indonesia to protect these rights contributes to women being denied HIV testing. Findings show the need for increased HIV testing services for pregnant women and assert that health personnel and programme policy-makers need to be held accountable for the protection and fulfilment of women’s rights in respect of HIV testing. The findings show that policy makers must make changes to ensure health services improve, health professionals must be better trained, and women’s socio- cultural and political contexts must be considered

Item Type: Article
Subjects: R Medicine > R Medicine (General) > R726.5-726.8 Medicine and disease in relation to psychology. Terminal care. Dying
Divisions: 10-Faculty of Public Health > 13101-Public Health Science (S2)
Depositing User: Mrs Najmah Najmah
Date Deposited: 25 Dec 2022 11:34
Last Modified: 25 Dec 2022 11:34
URI: http://repository.unsri.ac.id/id/eprint/84629

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