A qualitative study examined the experiences of Indonesian individuals living with HIV who have discontinued antiretroviral therapy (ART). Conducted in Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Bandar Lampung, the research involved in-depth interviews with 15 participants recruited from community organizations. Three main themes emerged from the analysis:
- The physical and psychological effects of stopping ART, including fatigue, anxiety, and a loss of control.
- Social challenges and stigma, characterized by diminished support and moral judgment from others.
- Efforts to find meaning and cope without treatment, incorporating spiritual resignation and feelings of detachment from physical health.
The findings illustrate that discontinuing ART leads to complex burdens, particularly in Indonesia, where HIV stigma is influenced by sociocultural and religious factors, and mental health resources are scarce. The study highlights that ART discontinuation is a deeply personal experience involving physical decline, emotional struggles, and social rejection. To enhance HIV care, healthcare systems should provide psychosocial and spiritual support, fostering a nonjudgmental and person-centered approach to encourage individuals to re-engage with treatment. This underscores the need for empathetic communication and culturally sensitive counseling in nursing practice.