The EARLY DETECTION AND PREVENTION EFFORTS OF HIV/AIDS AMONG TRANSGENDER WOMEN IN TULUNGAGUNG: HEALTH BELIEF MODEL IN 2024

Abstract

HIV can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, and transgender women (waria), as part of the homosexual group, contribute to the increase in HIV/AIDS cases. In Tulungagung, the HIV rate among waria is relatively high, prompting them to establish the Aprikot (Apresiasi Waria Kota Tulungagung) association, which has 55 members, to raise awareness of early detection and HIV prevention. This research analyzes HIV prevention efforts using the Health Belief Model (HBM), which focuses on individuals' beliefs about the threat of HIV and the benefits of prevention in changing behavior.

This qualitative research with a descriptive phenomenological approach was conducted at Base Came Aprikot Tulungagung from April 23 to June 17, 2024. The research informants include HIV-positive and HIV-negative waria, sex workers (PSK), waria with steady partners, Aprikot members, Cesmid NGOs, KPAD Tulungagung program managers, health workers, and the Tulungagung Health Office. The sampling technique used was Maximum Variation Sampling, with data collection through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis was conducted using an interactive model to understand efforts in early detection and HIV/AIDS prevention among transgender women.

Five informants, transgender women working as sex workers and living with HIV, as well as one informant who owns a beauty salon and has a steady partner, show a positive attitude toward early detection and HIV prevention. They regularly participate in HIV tests held by the community every three months. The norms within the Aprikot community strongly influence members, encouraging them to follow the rules and commit to HIV prevention efforts.

To encourage waria to engage in early detection and HIV/AIDS prevention efforts, the involvement of the government, through the Health Office, is necessary to raise awareness among the clients of waria sex workers about using condoms and regularly conducting STI tests to prevent complications or opportunistic infections