Virtual reality-based HIV/AIDS education on knowledge and behavior of transvestites in ambon city

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in Indonesia, particularly in Ambon City, is a serious concern, with Maluku Province recording 8,231 cases through 2023 and Ambon City having the highest number of cases. Transvestites are a vulnerable group to HIV/AIDS due to risky sexual behavior, lack of knowledge, and stigma and discrimination that hinder access to health services. Technology-based HIV/AIDS education, such as Virtual Reality (VR), has excellent potential to improve the knowledge and behavior of transvestites. This study used a Quasi-Experimental design with a sample of 40 participants, divided into two groups: 20 in the intervention group and 20 in the control group, selected via purposive sampling. The intervention group received VR-based HIV/AIDS education, while the control group received education via leaflet. Participants were required to be residents of Ambon city, at least 18 years old, without significant mental disorders, and have basic HIV/AIDS knowledge. Exclusion criteria included intensive medical treatment or prior participation in similar education programs. The results of the study show that both leaflets and VR media are effective in increasing the knowledge and behavior of transvestites about HIV/AIDS. The increase in knowledge in the leaflet and VR groups was 2.2 points each, with a p < 0.001. The increase in behavior was also significant, with the leaflet group experiencing an increase of 2.8 points and the VR group by 3.15 points (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was found between the two media regarding effectiveness in improving knowledge and behavior (p > 0.05). This study concludes that VR-based education and leaflets are both effective in increasing the knowledge and behavior of transvestites about HIV/AIDS in Ambon City.