Willingness To Use HIV Self-Testing and Its Association with Sexual Behavior Stigma Among Men Who Have Sex with Men In Padang, Indonesia

Mahathir; Sarah Latifah; Mohd. Djamil; Kiki Hardiansyah Safitri; Bunga Permata Wenny; Siti Yuliharni; Agus Sri Banowo; Devia Putri Lenggogeni; Rika Sarfika; Randy Refnandes; Windy Freska; Fitra Yeni; Winbaktianur; Niko Destri Putra; Ni Ketut Lestari

doi:10.25077/njk.v21i2.392

Authors

Mahathir Faculty of Nursing Universitas Andalas
Sarah Latifah Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Andalas
Mohd. Djamil Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Andalas
Kiki Hardiansyah Safitri Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Andalas
Bunga Permata Wenny Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Andalas
Siti Yuliharni Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Andalas
Agus Sri Banowo Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Andalas
Devia Putri Lenggogeni Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Andalas
Rika Sarfika Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Andalas
Randy Refnandes Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Andalas
Windy Freska Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Andalas
Fitra Yeni Faculty of Nursing, Universitas Andalas
Winbaktianur Yayasan Akbar Sumatra Barat, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia
Niko Destri Putra Yayasan Akbar Sumatra Barat, Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia
Ni Ketut Lestari Kerti Praja Foundation

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25077/njk.v21i2.392

Keywords:

Fear , Male, Humans, HIV Infection, Self-testing

Abstract

The provision of HIV prevention programs targeting key populations, particularly men who have sex with men (MSM), has been expanding rapidly. HIV self-testing (HIVST) has emerged as an accessible and convenient method for individuals to determine their HIV status independently. However, its utilization remains suboptimal, one potential barrier is the fear of stigma related to sexual behavior experienced by MSM. This study aimed to examine the association between sexual behavior stigma and willingness to undertake HIV self-testing among MSM. A quantitative study with a cross-sectional design was conducted using a non-probability (accidental) sampling technique. The study included 83 MSM participants affiliated with non-profit organization in Padang City. Data collection was carried out from February to May 2025.Two instruments were employed: The Sexual Behavior Stigma (SBS) Scale to assess sexual behavior stigma and a structured questionnaire to measure willingness to perform HIV self-testing. Data were analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation test. The results showed that the mean score of sexual behavior stigma was 4.15, while the mean score for willingness to undertake HIV self-testing was 0.458, indicating that 45.8% of respondents expressed willingness to perform HIVST. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between sexual behavior stigma and willingness to undertake HIV self-testing (p = 0.000; r = 0.486; r² = 0.236). These findings suggest that higher levels of sexual behavior stigma are associated with lower willingness to perform HIV self-testing. Sexual behavior stigma will lower the success of achieving HIV eradication. It is crucial to reactivate stigma elimination programs to create a safe and supportive environment for MSM as key populations, enabling them to protect themselves from the risk of HIV transmission.

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