Behavior of men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV-positive population in preventing HIV/AIDS transmission: A phenomenology study

Abstract

Objective: To explore the behaviors of HIV-positive MSM (risk and protective behavior) in preventing HIV/AIDS transmission based on self-identity, cultural script, interpersonal script, and intrapsychic script among HIV-positive MSM. Methodology: We conducted this qualitative study in Jember Regency-Indonesia with a phenomenological approach from April and June 2021. Informants were taken by purposive sampling, with the total primary informants being 12 HIV-positive MSM. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with open-ended questions using guidelines and performed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Results: Most of the informants became MSM due to self-actualization. The perspective of self-identity was mostly insertive. The cultural script shows that most HIV-positive MSMs tend to beopen onlyto people considered. The interpersonal script consists of three stages in the dating process. In the intrapsychic script, the sexual orientation of the informants is based on mutual liking, comfort, and sexual satisfaction. Conclusion: HIV-positive MSMs have appropriate sexual intentions and plans to prevent HIV/AIDS transmission to their partner. Still, a lack of implementation is presented due to misperception and low information. Therefore, the authorities must disseminate appropriate information about HIV/AIDS control programs in at-risk communities, particularly HIV-positive MSM.