Health Belief Model Theory Application on Voluntary Counseling and Testing among Homosexual Men in Bandung Greater Area
Abstract: The number of human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV) cases is high and is constantly increasing.
Homosexual men as a transmission niche is not only significant in terms of
numbers, but also in natural aspects of anal sex, tropism of HIV-1, and high-risk
behavior. Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) is important for accelerating
diagnosis and management plan; yet the uptake on high-risk population in
Indonesia is low. A behavior-reasoning theory, Health Belief Model (HBM),
attempts to explain whether or not individuals engage in certain health
behavior. This study tries to assess participation rate of VCT, to portray HBM
variables perception, and to depict significance of HBM variables towards VCT
uptake or VCT intention.
Methods: This study was conducted in October-November 2014 using
cross-sectional design; 127 respondents were gathered according to Respondent
Driven Snowball Sampling. This study used an internet-based questionnaire
derived from Champion’s 1984 mammogram HBM questionnaire. Privacy and
compensation were obtained. The Chi square test and logistic regression of HBM
variables were done.
Results: The VCT uptake was low (15.7%). Certain sexual experience and
commitment were significant (Commitment to Men p=0.027, Oral Sex experience with
men p=0.001, Anal Sex Experience with men p=0.038). Chi Square test revealed
significance on Perceived Susceptibility, Perceived Benefit, and Cues to
Action.
Conclusions: Uptake of VCT is considerably low compared with total high
risk population and other similar studies. Personal Susceptibility to HIV/AIDS
is recommended to be emphasized; while VCT Benefit and Cues to Action in young
homosexual men communities are better encouraged.
Keywords: Health Belief Model,
HIV, Homosexual, VCT
Author: Argya Nareswara,
Chrysanti Murad, Irvan Afriandi
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg160293
