The implementation of self-help group (SHG) therapy on anxiety, stress and depression levels in MSM with HIV

The challenge of overcoming HIV/AIDS is getting harder with the increasing prevalence in Indonesia. Self Help Group aims to develop empathy among fellow group members where they provide mutual reinforcement to form adaptive coping and help overcome their problems which are solved together in the group. The purpose of the research is to analyze the effect of SHG therapy on anxiety, stress, and depression levels among MSM living with HIV in Surabaya, Indonesia. Materials and Methods. A quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test control group design was conducted among 150 MSM living with HIV selected from a population of 240 individuals in Surabaya, Indonesia. Anxiety, stress, and depression were measured using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). SHG therapy was implemented for one month through structured peer-support sessions. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results. Most respondents were aged 25–49 years and experienced moderate anxiety, stress, and depression before the intervention. SHG therapy significantly reduced anxiety (13.29 to 7.59), stress (12.28 to 9.58), and depression (17.21 to 5.39). The results of the Wilcoxon statistical test obtained p = 0.000 which showed a significant difference between the treatment group and the control group. Conclusions. SHG therapy effectively improved psychological well-being by providing emotional, informational, and instrumental support. Future studies should include larger populations and assess long-term outcomes. SHG therapy can be recommended as an effective psychosocial intervention for MSM living with HIV.