HIV risk perception through unprotected sex after traditional male circumcision (the practice of sifon) using the health belief model in West Timor, Indonesia

This study aimed to explore the HIV risk perception of having unprotected sexual intercourse following traditional male circumcision (TMC), a practice known as sifon, in West Timor, Indonesia. Guided by the Health Belief Model, we interviewed 34 men who underwent TMC, 7 traditional practitioners and 13 women who had engaged and analysed them thematically. The result showed that most of the participants had low HIV risk perception towards sifon practice and had low perceived severity of the impact of HIV/AIDS, which was supported by a strong cultural belief in sifon practice and lack of knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Similarly, most of the participants who underwent sifon did not see the benefit of using condoms when performing sifon. The findings showed that participants are at high risk of acquiring HIV infection due to performing sifon without protection. The findings indicated the need for open, detailed and consistent health education on the risk of HIV transmission through sifon practice in communities practising TMC and sifon irrespective of their status.