Knowledge, attitude, and behaviour toward same-sex sexual intercourse and HIV/AIDS prevention: A cross-sectional survey in Indonesia

Abstract

Objective: To assess public knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours regarding same-sex sexual intercourse (SSI) in relation to HIV/AIDS transmission prevention, especially in an inclusive cultural and religious country like Indonesia, beyond established prevention methods like safe sex practices and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).

Methods: We collected cross-sectional online survey data from the Indonesian 18 years or older population in December 2021 and August 2022. We determined participants' knowledge, attitude, and behaviour scores toward SSI and HIV/AIDS prevention. We critically explored each score and used multiple linear regression to identify the predictive factors.

Results: The survey included 386 adults [median age (IQR): 22 (20-35) years]. The median (IQR) score was 90/100 (80-100) for knowledge, 43/50 (39-46) for attitude and 70/70 (70-70) for behaviour. The number of men who had sex with men (MSM) was 7/129 (5.4%). Male sex, non-MSM, higher knowledge, and higher attitude scores were positively associated with higher behaviour scores (P<0.001).

Conclusions: This study highlights the need for inclusive HIV/AIDS prevention strategies that respect cultural and religious values, reduce stigma, and improve healthcare access, while aligning with international guidelines and scientific evidence

Keywords

Men who have sex with men / Same-sex sexual intercourse / HIV/AIDS / Prevention

Conflict of interest statment

There are no conflicts of interest in this study.

Funding

This research was funded by the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas (grant number 668/UN.16.02.D/PP/2022).

Human ethics and consent to participate

This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Medical Faculty, Universitas Andalas (approval number: 611/ UN.16.2/KEP-FK/2021; approval date: December 9th, 2021) in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent was obtained from all participants before participating in the survey questionnaire.

Availability of data and material

Data and material are only available from the corresponding author at [e-mail].

Authors' contributions

SPP is involved in study design, data collection and analyses, and manuscript drafting. RGL verified the data and validated the concept. SPP, RGL, RCA, DSJ, NW and SWY performed the survey. SWY guided the research. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Publisher’s note

The Publisher of the Journal remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

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