# Use of complementary and alternative medicine and its association with antiretroviral therapy adherence and quality of life among people living with HIV in urban Indonesia: a cross-sectional study
> Juliawaty A.

URL kanonis: https://discover.unhas.ac.id/publications/pub_scopus_105050712554
Jurnal / Konferensi: AIDS Care Psychological and Socio Medical Aspects of AIDS HIV
Tahun terbit: 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09540121.2026.2728930
ISSN: 09540121
Kuartil SJR: Q2
Citations: 0

## Authors
- Juliawaty A.

## Abstract
HIV remains a major global health concern, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is often used alongside antiretroviral therapy (ART). This cross-sectional study assessed CAM use, associated factors, perceptions, and relationships with ART adherence and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Indonesia. From June to September 2025, 400 PLHIV attending three primary healthcare centers in Makassar completed standardized interviewer-administered questionnaires. Overall, 158 (39.5%) reported current CAM use, predominantly herbal remedies. In exploratory bivariate analyses, CAM use was associated with older age, comorbidity, family support, self-reported mode of HIV acquisition, and hospitalization history (all p < 0.05). CAM users more frequently perceived CAM as safer than conventional treatment (65.2% vs. 40.9%). ART-adherence categories differed between groups (p = 0.006), although high adherence was comparable (87.3% vs. 88.8%). CAM use was associated with a lower EQ-5D-5L utility index in the unadjusted analysis (B = −0.039; 95% CI: −0.065 to −0.013), but not after adjustment (B = −0.020; 95% CI: −0.046 to 0.006). CAM use was not associated with EQ-VAS scores. CAM use was common but was not independently associated with poorer HRQoL. Routine CAM screening and individualized counseling may help identify potential CAM–ART interactions and support safe HIV care.

## Keywords
- Medicine
- Alternative medicine
- Family medicine
- Quality of life (healthcare)
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Antiretroviral therapy
- Gerontology
- Exploratory research
- Traditional medicine
- Health care
- Cross-sectional study
- MEDLINE
- Health related quality of life
- Public health
- Association (psychology)
- Bivariate analysis
- Life expectancy
- Medication adherence
- Physical therapy
- Multivariate analysis

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Sumber: Discover Unhas — RIMS Universitas Hasanuddin.
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