Sexual risk behaviour of men who have sex with men (MSM) in an urban society of West Sumatera province of Indonesia

Background and Aim: The cases of HIV/AIDS have increased in Indonesia in the last decade, especially in Padang Municipality of West Sumatera Province. The cases are consistency higher in high risk population groups, including men who have sex with men (MSM). The study exmanines sexual behaviour of MSM, which becomes a potential risk of HIV transmission. Method: We have conducted a qualitative research by interviewing 44 MSM and three HIV/AIDS prevention commissioners and two health workers. The data was analyzed using content thematic analysis approach, which presented narratively and semi-quantitative features. Result: The result shows that most of MSM are very sexual active and have multi sex parners. On the contrary, most of the sexual contacts are unprotected with low consitentency of condom use. They also have limited knowledge of HIV/AIDS and lack of awareness of its transmission. Voluntary of HIV testing is very low due to personal and access barrier, such as feeling shameful to be recognized by other people and perceive healthy and free from HIV/AIDS risk. Conclusion: The sexual behavior of MSM becomes a potential risk of HIV transmission. Our findings indicate that there is a need of improvement of health promotion to decrease the risk of HIV transmission, including health education and special access to HIV testing to reach this community.