Self-Acceptance of Adolescents with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome in Bandung

Abstract

Self-acceptance is a form of a person's satisfaction with himself which is characterized by understanding himself, being able to overcome his circumstances, being able to show a positive attitude within himself, and being able to continue to develop with existing circumstances through realistic expectations. In HIV positive cases, self-acceptance of positive status is difficult. Many people still reject HIV/AIDS and consider it a cursed thing, which makes HIV/AIDS sufferers increasingly reluctant to accept their positive status. This affects the lives of adolescents with HIV/AIDS, especially adolescents who contract it from their parents. There needs to be an effort to increase HIV/AIDS sufferers' self-acceptance of their status, especially among adolescents so that they can live life as usual. This research was conducted to determine the description of adolescents self-acceptance regarding their HIV positive status through: 1) Self-Understanding, 2) How to Cope with Situations, 3) Positive Attitudes, and 4) Realistic Expectations. This research is descriptive qualitative research with a phenomological approach. The informants in this study were selected using purposive techniques. The data collection techniques used were in-depth interviews, observation and documentation studies. The research results show that adolescents' self-acceptance of their HIV positive status has not been realized optimally because adolescents' understanding of HIV/AIDS is still not optimal, there is a lack of intensity of meetings with peer support groups, and there is still stigma and discrimination.