Educational Development and Sexual Networking and HIV/AIDS Prevention in Male Sex Couples (MSM) in Denpasar City

Abstract

Background: Cases of HIV/AIDS in MSM (Men who have sex with men) in Indonesia from year to year has increased significantly. Bali is the province that has a high number of the HIV/AIDS cases, and among many areas therein, Denpasar is the city having the highest cases. Sexual networking and prevention of HIV/AIDS in MSM in Denpasar have not been reported in depth, so the present researcher examines in depth the prevention of the disease in MSM in the city. Objective: This study aims to explore sexual networking and HIV/AIDS prevention among MSM couples in Denpasar City. Method: This study uses a qualitative research design with a phenomenological approach to explore more deeply the sexual networking and HIV/AIDS prevention in MSM in Denpasar City. Determination of informants in this study is carried out using purposive sampling technique. In-depth interviews are conducted to 10 MSM couples who are productive and communicative in the area. After the data from the field is collected, the analysis is conducted thematically. Results: Health education with the peer education method is very effective in increasing knowledge and attitudes, there are differences in knowledge and attitudes in the group that is given health education and the group that is not given health education. Most of the respondents found a network of sexual partners through social media and some of them had sexual intercourse with their partners in groups to feel the sensation. These sex offenders always wear condoms during having sex with both permanent and non-permanent partners. In addition, they routinely take HIV tests at health care centers and apply the PrEP method in an effort to avoid HIV/AIDS. Conclusion: Increased education and assistance for MSM needs to be organized so that high-risk behaviors during sexual intercourse are reduced.