Indonesia ranks first among Southeast Asian countries for new HIV/AIDS cases. Non-adherence affects the quality of life of HIV patients, while adherence is influenced by knowledge and social support. Knowledge regarding ARV treatment and the presence of social support influence treatment adherence and, consequently, improve the quality of life for HIV patients. This study aims to examine the influence of knowledge levels and social support on antiretroviral treatment adherence and its implications for quality of life (a case study of people living with HIV at Dr. R. Hardjanto Hospital, Balikpapan). The study employs descriptive and verificative methods. The population consists of all HIV patients undergoing ARV treatment (311 individuals), with a sample size of 180. Research data were obtained through questionnaires and analyzed using the SEM-PLS technique with the aid of SEM-PLS software. The results of this study indicate that knowledge has no effect on ARV treatment adherence or the quality of life of HIV patients; however, social support influences both ARV treatment adherence and the quality of life of HIV patients. Knowledge does not affect quality of life through ARV treatment adherence, whereas social support influences quality of life through ARV treatment adherence. The level of knowledge does not affect adherence or improve the quality of life of HIV paatients. Conversely, the level of social support influences adherence and improves the quality of life of HIV patients.
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