THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELF-CONCEPT AND CONCEALMENT STATUS AMONG PATIENTS WITH HIV/AIDS

Abstract

Concealment status in HIV/AIDS patients is a psychosocial problem because it can hinder openness, social support, and treatment continuity. Self-concept is an important aspect to study because it is related to how PLWHA assess themselves in facing their HIV status. Objective: To analyze the relationship between self-concept and concealment status in HIV/AIDS patients at the UPTD Lespadangan Community Health Center, Mojokerto Regency. Design: Cross-sectional with 28 respondents selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a self-concept questionnaire and the Self-Concealment Scale (SCS), then analyzed using the Spearman's rho test. Results: Most respondents had low self-concept (64%) and high concealment status (75%). There was a significant relationship between self-concept and concealment status (p = 0.001; ρ = -0.643). Conclusion: The lower the self-concept of PLWHA, the higher the tendency to conceal. Improving self-concept through counseling and psychosocial support is needed to help PLWHA in self-acceptance.