The relationship between family acceptance and quality of life and self esteem of PLWH MSM in Medan, North Sumatera, Indonesia

Objective: To identify the correlation between family acceptance and quality of life and self-esteem of People Living with HIV Men Who Have Sex With Men (PLWH MSM) in Medan. Method: This cross-sectional study applied a purposive sampling technique and involved 175 PLWH MSM from H. Adam Malik Public Central Hospital, Medan Pringadi Hospital, Padang Bulan, and Teladan Public Health Centers. The research instruments used are the Perceived Acceptance Scale (PAS), WHOQOL-BREF, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. This research has passed the ethical test of the Faculty of Nursing Universitas Indonesia with number 157/UN2/F12.D/HKP.02.04/2018. Results: Bivariate analysis found that family acceptance was related to quality of life and self-esteem (p = 0.006, α = 0.05; p < 0.001, α = 0.05). Family acceptance has a positive relation with QOL and self-esteem. These results show that high family acceptance is associated with good QOL and high self-esteem. Conclusions: Family acceptance is correlated with quality of life and self-esteem. If family acceptance is promoted by especially nursing, quality of life and self-esteem can play an optimum role in decreasing risky sexual behaviors.