PERSEPSI RISIKO PADA PEROKOK KRETEK REMPAH DI DESA PALAKAHEMBI, KABUPATEN SUMBA TIMUR, PROVINSI NUSA TENGGARA TIMUR

Abstrak

Background: Herbal clove cigarettes are increasingly used in rural communities in Indonesia due to the belief that they are safer than conventional cigarettes because they are made from natural ingredients. This study aimed to explore risk perceptions among herbal clove cigarette users in Palakahembi Village, East Sumba Regency, based on the perceived susceptibility and perceived severity constructs of the Health Belief Model (HBM).

Methods: A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach was conducted involving ten informants, consisting of six active herbal clove cigarette users and four supporting informants, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation, and were analyzed using thematic analysis with in vivo coding.

Results: Most informants demonstrated low perceived susceptibility and low perceived severity regarding the health risks associated with herbal clove cigarette use. These perceptions were shaped by beliefs that herbal clove cigarettes contain no or only low levels of nicotine, positive personal experiences, the influence of family members and peers, and testimonials shared on social media.

Conclusion: The low level of risk perception among herbal clove cigarette users in Palakahembi Village reinforces the continued use of herbal clove cigarettes, despite scientific evidence indicating that they remain harmful to health. Community-based health education is needed to address these misconceptions and improve public awareness of the potential health risks associated with herbal clove cigarette use.

Keywords: Risk Perception, Herbal Clove Cigarattes, Health Belief Model.