Methods: Cross sectional study was conducted with 350 MSM in Kuta, Bali. Questionnaire comprising questions on sexual partnership and sexual behavior was used in the survey. Respondents were asked to identify their five current sexual partners and if they know that those sexual partners knew each other and had sexual relationship to each other. Furthermore, they were also asked about the condom use behaviors with each partner that they have identified.
It is estimated that MSM in Indonesia will make up the largest portion of new HIV infection in Indonesia. The result of Integrated Biological and Behavioral Surveillance in 2011 revealed that HIV prevalence among this group in Indonesia is between 2.5%-45.6%. The aim of the study was to identify the density and the concurrent sexual partnership among men having sex with men in Bali.
Results: Only data from 297 respondents can be included in the analysis, comprising of 623 dyad data. It was revealed that at least 156 (53%) respondents have at least two concurrent sexual partnerships with those sexual partners. In at least 184 (62%) of the respondents, at least two of their sexual partners knew each other. Additionally, in at least 106 (35.7%) of the respondents, at least two of their sexual partners had a sexual relationship to each other. It was also revealed that condom usage with different partner types varied, with 60.3% of consistent condom use with casual partners compared with 38.7% with regular partners.
Conclusion: There is a concerning high level of concurrent partnership with high density of the sexual network among MSM in Bali. Condom use consistency was lower with regular partners compared to that of casual partners. Interventions are urgently needed with regards to promote sexual partner reduction and consistent condom use, particularly with regular partners.