Accessibility of Children Living with HIV/AIDS to Hospitals in Ten Districts in Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Children living with HIV/AIDS should be treated with antiretroviral throughout life so accessibility to hospitals is one of the factors that affect treatment access. The purpose of this study was to identify the distance, travel time and the length of time required in hospitals to undergo antiretroviral therapy (ART).  Methodology: This study is a mixed methods study using a cross sectional approach. The study locations covered ten districts. Quantitative data were analyzed using the chi - square test, while qualitative data used content analysis.  Results: The study show that 38.1% children lived more than 10 km away from the hospital, 18.6% need more than an hour to get to hospital 44% need more than 4 hours to get medication (starting from enrollment up to receiving drugs). Conclusion: There was no significant relationship between travel time and the duration of treatment with adherence to get ART. Stigma and discrimination led them to choose hospitals which are located far away. To improve accessibility, central officer or NGO should inform where mobile clinics are available or help get the drugs from hospital for them.