Application of group positive psychotherapy to improve psychological well-being for people with HIV in Papua

Introduction: Problems that arise in a person with HIV/AIDS status are related to disease conditions and psychosocial conditions that can affect psychological well-being. One form of intervention that can improve psychological well-being is Group Positive Psychotherapy. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of implementing positive group psychotherapy in improving the psychological well-being of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in the working area of the Timika Jaya Health Center, Mimika Regency. Method: This is a quasi-experimental research with the One Groups Pretest-Posttest Design technique approach. Respondents were pretested before the group positive psychotherapy treatment with counseling and education methods. Upon completing the treatment, a posttest was administered. The population of this study was the entire community of PLWHA in the working area of the Timika Jaya Public Health Center with 27 people for a total sampling technique. Data analysis used Chi-Square Test and Paired Samples T-Test. Based on the results of the analysis using paired sample t-test, p-value = 0.000 <α means that there is a significant difference in psychological well-being in PLWHA before and after 1 month of positive group psychotherapy intervention. Result: Furthermore, from 1 month of group positive psychotherapy intervention to the next 2 months, p = 0.000, and before the second group positive psychotherapy intervention, p = 0.000. Overall, there was a significant difference in the improvement of psychological well-being before and after the group positive psychotherapy intervention. Conclusion: Group positive psychotherapy effectively improves psychological well-being for people with HIV/AIDS.