Behavior skills in personal and social treatment of people living with HIV/AIDS in Tulungagung Regency, Indonesia: A cross-sectional correlation study

Introduction: Behavioral skills of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in consuming antiretrovirals (ARV) can reduce their morbidity and mortality; however, behavioral skills in ARV therapy are still low. Motivational factor is considered to have an effect on behavior skills. The purpose of this study was to explain the influence of motivational factors on behavioral skills of PLWHA. Material and methods: Descriptive correlational cross-sectional approach was applied as study design. One hundred respondents, who met inclusion criteria were selected through simple random sampling method, and were requested to fill out a questionnaire. Results were analyzed using descriptive analysis and logistic regression test, with a significance value of p ≤ 0.05. Results: In general, there is a significant effect of personal motivation (p = 0.000) and social motivation (p = 0.016) on behavioral skills. Personal motivation is based on attitudes towards preventive behavior, perceptions of disease susceptibility, benefits, and barriers to preventive behavior, while social motivation is a support provided by family and/ or friends as an assistance during treatment. Conclusions: Behavioral skills of PLWHA consisting of taking medication skills and managing information, are influenced by personal and social motivation. Support from family and friends is an important value that can play a role in achieving optimal motivation for treatment.