Participation of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Community-Based AIDS Coping

Stigma and negative treatment against People Living with HIV/AIDS or PLWHAs becomes a serious problem in Indonesia, so that they become introverted. This research aimed to analyze the participation of PLWHAs in community-based AIDS coping. This qualitative research with exploratory approach was taken place in Surakarta Indonesia. PLWHAs affiliated with Solo Plus Peer Support Group became main informants selected purposively. Data was collected through observation, in-depth interview, and documentation, and then was analyzed using Parsons' action theory. Data validation was conducted using source and method triangulations. The result of research showed that PLWHAs with open status tend to participate actively in promotive, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative activities to cope with AIDS, including communicating, informing, and educating the community earlier about HIV/AIDS and recommending them to be loyal to their partner, not using injected drug, and respecting PLWHAs. PLWHAs' right to freedom of expression has not been fulfilled optimally because there is negative label and movement space limitation by community. Education about HIV/AIDS and PLWHAs' rights should be improved among the public.