HIV risk perception through unprotected sex after traditional male circumcision (the practice of <i>sifon</i> ) 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 <i>sifon,</i> 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 <i>sifon</i> practice and had low perceived severity of the impact of HIV/AIDS, which was supported by a strong cultural belief in <i>sifon</i> practice and lack of knowledge of HIV/AIDS. Similarly, most of the participants who underwent <i>sifon</i> did not see the benefit of using condoms when performing <i>sifon</i>. The findings showed that participants are at high risk of acquiring HIV infection due to performing <i>sifon</i> without protection. The findings indicated the need for open, detailed and consistent health education on the risk of HIV transmission through <i>sifon</i> practice in communities practising TMC and <i>sifon</i> irrespective of their status.