The experiences of women from Atoin Meto tribe who performed Sifon ritual in the context of HIV/AIDS transmission

Abstract

Background: Sifon is ritual sexual intercourse after male circumcision from the Atoin Meto tribe that contributes to HIV/AIDS transmission. Ritual Sifon may put at risk for HIV infection and also sexual transmission diseases (STDs). Doing ritual Sifon as a culture, without using protection during intercourse becomes one way to get HIV infection from infected men. Few studies explore this phenomenon among women who become Sifon. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the experience of Sifon women in the context of HIV/AIDS transmission.Design and Methods: The data were collected from March to July 2020. This study used a phenomenological approach with a purposive sampling technique. Inclusion criteria: the women from Atoin Meto tribe aged above eighteen years old who have been Sifon women for at least six months. The participants were recruited through traditional healers in Nekbaun village of Kupang District and Timor Tengah Selatan District. The data were analyzed by the Colaizzi method.Results: Thirteen women were interviewed and we found four themes: lack of knowledge about HIV/AIDS transmission, unaware Sifon women, women who experienced STDs, using traditional medicine to treat STDs (Timor medicine).Conclusions: The interpretation of Sifon women’s experiences that performed Sifon rituals indicated that Sifon is a risk factor for transmitting HIV/AIDS. Preventive and promotional educational programs with a cultural approach are needed to reduce the risk of HIV/AIDS transmission.