Family Experience in Caring for HIV Positive-Indonesian Migrant Workers: A Phenomenological Study

Authors

Nursalam Nursalam, Ninuk Dian Kurniawati, Abu Abu Bakar, Tintin Sukartini

Corresponding Author

Nursalam Nursalam

DOI

https://doi.org/10.2991/inc-17.2017.57How to use a DOI?

Keywords

HIV; migrant workers; family; experience

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the experience of family and relative of Indonesian migrant workers to take care of their family members who are HIV-infected. Method. This study employed a phenomenological hermeneutics methodology. Data were gathered from 9 respondents who were primary carers of HIV-infected patients in two districts in East Java in 2014. In-depth interviews were conducted at the respondents' home to collect data to be analyzed qualitatively. Results. The family and relatives taking care of HIV-infected patients have accepted the patients' conditions although they still feel anxious about possible transmission of HIV disease. Moreover, respondents stated that they had to be very careful not to disclose the patients' status about having infected with HIV due to high level of stigma and discrimination towards HIV patients so that patients could maintain a comfortable social interaction with other family members, relatives and neighbors. Conclusion. Taking care of HIV-infected person provides a rich psychological, social and spiritual experience to the respondents.

Open Access

This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC license.