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Knowledge, attitudes and acceptance of voluntary medical male circumcision among males attending high school in Shiselweni region, Eswatini: a cross sectional study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:349. [PMID: 36797696 PMCID: PMC9933013 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15228-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In countries such as Eswatini, where there is a high HIV prevalence and low male circumcision the World Health Organization and the Joint United Nations Programme for HIV/AIDS recommend infant and adult circumcision be implemented. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and acceptability of voluntary medical male circumcision amongst males attending high school in Eswatini. METHODS An observational cross-sectional study was conducted during February and March of 2018 amongst 407 young males (15-21 years) attending Form 4, in nine high schools in the Shiselweni region of Eswatini using a self-administered questionnaire of 42 close ended questions. Sociodemographic details, circumcision status, acceptance of voluntary medical male circumcision, knowledge and attitude scores analysed in Stata® 14 statistical software were described using frequencies, medians and ranges respectively. Bivariate and multivariate linear regression was used to assess the impact of independent variables on circumcision status and acceptance of voluntary medical male circumcision. The level of statistical significance was p < 0.05. RESULTS Amongst the 407 high school-going males, 48.98% (n = 201) reported being circumcised. The majority of the adolescents (75.74%; n = 306) were knowledgeable about voluntary medical male circumcision. However, an even larger majority (84.90% (n = 343) had a negative attitude towards it. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, having parented their own children (aOR: 3.55; 95%CI: 1.2-10.48), and having circumcised friends (aOR: 3.99; 95%CI: 1.81-8.84) were significantly associated with being circumcised. Neither knowledge nor attitude were associated with the acceptability of voluntary medical male circumcision. CONCLUSION In Eswatini male high school students are knowledgeable about voluntary medical male circumcision but have a negative attitude towards it. Having parented their own children, and having circumcised friends influenced being circumcised.
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Marukutira T, Ussery F, Kadima E, Mills LA, Moore J, Block L, Bachanas P, Davis S, Schissler T, Mosha R, Komotere O, Diswai T, Ntsuape C, Lebelonyane R, Bock N. Male circumcision uptake during the Botswana Combination Prevention Project. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269178. [PMID: 35704556 PMCID: PMC9200323 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) uptake has been slow in some countries, including Botswana. To inform demand creation efforts, we examined sociodemographic characteristics and referral procedures associated with VMMC uptake in the Botswana Combination Prevention Project (BCPP) and examined the effectiveness of referral of men to MC services from HIV testing venues. DESIGN BCPP was a community-randomized trial evaluating the impact of a combination HIV prevention package which included VMMC on community HIV incidence. We conducted a sub-analysis of VMMC uptake in intervention communities. METHODS During the initial VMMC campaign in 15 intervention communities, baseline male circumcision (MC) status was assessed among men eligible for HIV testing. Uncircumcised male community residents aged 16-49 years with negative/unknown HIV status were mobilized and linked to study VMMC services. Outcomes included MC baseline status and uptake through study services. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify factors associated with MC uptake. RESULTS Of 12,864 men eligible for testing, 50% (n = 6,448) were already circumcised. Among the uncircumcised men (n = 6,416), 10% (n = 635) underwent MC. Of the 5,071 men identified as eligible for MC through HIV testing services, 78% declined referral and less than 1% of those were circumcised. Of those accepting referral (n = 1,107), 16% were circumcised. Younger (16-24 years) (aOR: 1.51; 95%CI:1.22,1.85), unemployed men (aOR:1.34; 95%CI: 1.06,1.69), and those undergoing HIV testing at mobile venues (aOR: 1.88; 95%CI: 1.53,2.31) were more likely to get circumcised. Fear of pain was the most prevalent (27%) reason given for not being circumcised. CONCLUSION Younger, unemployed men seeking HIV testing at mobile sites in Botswana were more likely to get VMMC. Addressing unique barriers for employed and older men may be necessary. Given the simplicity of VMMC as an intervention, the HIV testing programs offer a platform for identifying uncircumcised men and offering information and encouragement to access services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Faith Ussery
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Etienne Kadima
- Botswana-Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Lisa A. Mills
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Jan Moore
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Lisa Block
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Northrop Grumman Corporation, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Pam Bachanas
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Davis
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | - Conrad Ntsuape
- Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care, Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana
| | | | - Naomi Bock
- Division of Global HIV/AIDS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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Somefun OD, Casale M, Haupt Ronnie G, Desmond C, Cluver L, Sherr L. Decade of research into the acceptability of interventions aimed at improving adolescent and youth health and social outcomes in Africa: a systematic review and evidence map. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e055160. [PMID: 34930743 PMCID: PMC8689197 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-055160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Interventions aimed at improving adolescent health and social outcomes are more likely to be successful if the young people they target find them acceptable. However, no standard definitions or indicators exist to assess acceptability. Acceptability research with adolescents in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) is still limited and no known reviews systhesise the evidence from Africa. This paper maps and qualitatively synthesises the scope, characteristics and findings of these studies, including definitions of acceptability, methods used, the type and objectives of interventions assessed, and overall findings on adolescent acceptability. DESIGN We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed studies assessing intervention acceptability with young adults (aged 10-24) in Africa, published between January 2010 and June 2020. DATA SOURCES Web of Science, Medline, PsycINFO, SociIndex, CINAHL, Africa-wide, Academic Search Complete and PubMed were searched through July 2020. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Papers were selected based on the following inclusion criteria: if they (1) reported primary research assessing acceptability (based on the authors' definition of the study or findings) of one or more intervention(s) with adolescents and young adults 10-24; (2) assessed acceptability of intervention(s) aimed at positively influencing one or more development outcome(s), as defined by sustainable development goal (SDG) indicators; (3) reported on research conducted in Africa; (4) were in the English Language; (5) were peer-reviewed and and (6) were published between 1 January 2010 and 30 June 2020. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Abstracts were reviewed independently by the two first authors to determine relevance. Full text of potentially eligible studies were retrieved and independently examined by the same two authors; areas of disagreement or lack of clarity were resolved through discussion by the two authors and-where necessary-the assessment of a third author. RESULTS 55 studies were considered eligible for inclusion in the review. Most studies were conducted in Southern Africa, of which 32 jointly in South Africa and Uganda. The majority of interventions assessed for acceptability could be classified as HIV or HPV vaccine interventions (10), E-health (10), HIV testing interventions (8), support group interventions (7) and contraceptive interventions (6). The objectives of most interventions were linked to SDG3, specifically to HIV and sexual and reproductive health. Acceptability was overall high among these published studies. 22 studies provided reasons for acceptability or lack thereof, some specific to particular types of interventions and others common across intervention types. CONCLUSIONS Our review exposes considerable scope for future acceptability research and review work. This should include extending acceptability research beyond the health (and particularly HIV) sector and to regions in Africa where this type of research is still scarce; including adolescents earlier, and potentially throughout the intervention process; further conceptualising the construct of acceptability among adolescents and beyond; and examining the relationship between acceptability and uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oluwaseyi Dolapo Somefun
- UKRI GCRF Accelerating Achievement for Africa's Adolescents, School of Public Health, , University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marisa Casale
- UKRI GCRF Accelerating Achievement for Africa's Adolescents, School of Public Health, , University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Chris Desmond
- Centre for Rural Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Lucie Cluver
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Dept of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Van Lith LM, Mallalieu EC, Patel EU, Dam KH, Kaufman MR, Hatzold K, Marcell AV, Mavhu W, Kahabuka C, Mahlasela L, Njeuhmeli E, Seifert Ahanda K, Ncube G, Lija G, Bonnecwe C, Tobian AAR. Perceived Quality of In-Service Communication and Counseling Among Adolescents Undergoing Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision. Clin Infect Dis 2019; 66:S205-S212. [PMID: 29617780 PMCID: PMC5888942 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Experience with providers shapes the quality of adolescent health services, including voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC). This study examined the perceived quality of in-service communication and counseling during adolescent VMMC services. Methods A postprocedure quantitative survey measuring overall satisfaction, comfort, perceived quality of in-service communication and counseling, and perceived quality of facility-level factors was administered across 14 VMMC sites in South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Participants were adolescent male clients aged 10–14 years (n = 836) and 15–19 years (n = 457) and completed the survey 7 to 10 days following VMMC. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) were estimated by multivariable modified Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations and robust variance estimation to account for site-level clustering. Results Of 10- to 14-year-olds and 15- to 19-year-olds, 97.7% and 98.7%, respectively, reported they were either satisfied or very satisfied with their VMMC counseling experience. Most were also very likely or somewhat likely (93.6% of 10- to 14-year olds and 94.7% of 15- to 19-year olds) to recommend VMMC to their peers. On a 9-point scale, the median perceived quality of in-service (counselor) communication was 9 (interquartile range [IQR], 8–9) among 15- to 19-year-olds and 8 (IQR, 7–9) among 10- to 14-year-olds. The 10- to 14-year-olds were more likely than 15- to 19-year-olds to perceive a lower quality of in-service (counselor) communication (score <7; 21.5% vs. 8.2%; aPR, 1.61 [95% confidence interval, 1.33–1.95]). Most adolescents were more comfortable with a male rather than female counselor and provider. Adolescents of all ages wanted more discussion about pain, wound care, and healing time. Conclusions Adolescents perceive the quality of in-service communication as high and recommend VMMC to their peers; however, many adolescents desire more discussion about key topics outlined in World Health Organization guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn M Van Lith
- Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Eshan U Patel
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Kim H Dam
- Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Michelle R Kaufman
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Arik V Marcell
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Webster Mavhu
- Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | | | - Emmanuel Njeuhmeli
- Office of HIV/AIDS, Global Health Bureau, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Kim Seifert Ahanda
- Office of HIV/AIDS, Global Health Bureau, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | - Gissenge Lija
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Aaron A R Tobian
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Spees LP, Ledikwe JH, Kleinman NJ, Ntsuape C, Semo BW, Barnhart S, Wirth KE. Immediate Motivators to Seeking Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Among HIV-Negative Adult Men in an Urban Setting in Botswana. AIDS EDUCATION AND PREVENTION : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR AIDS EDUCATION 2019; 31:136-151. [PMID: 30917017 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.2019.31.2.136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Randomized trials have shown that voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) significantly reduces HIV acquisition risk in men. We sought to identify subpopulations of Botswanan men with high levels of VMMC uptake by comparing an observational cohort of men presenting for circumcision services at two high-volume clinics in Botswana's capital city, Gabo-rone, with a matched, population-based random sample of uncircumcised men. Among these high uptake VMMC subpopulations, we then examined the immediate factors that play a role in men's decision to seek VMMC services. As compared to their population-based controls, men choosing to undergo circumcision were more likely to be ages 24-34, more highly educated, to have a religious affiliation, and in a serious relationship. Our results suggest that married men and highly educated men were more likely to pursue circumcision for personal hygiene reasons. These findings have direct implications for targeted demand creation and mobilization activities to increase VMMC uptake in Botswana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa P Spees
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Botswana International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Jenny H Ledikwe
- Botswana International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Nora J Kleinman
- Botswana International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- NJK Consulting, Seattle
| | - Conrad Ntsuape
- Department of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care, Botswana Ministry of Health, Gaborone, Botswana
| | - Bazghina-Werq Semo
- Botswana International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Scott Barnhart
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kathleen E Wirth
- Botswana International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Gaborone, Botswana
- Department of Epidemiology and the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
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Patel EU, Kaufman MR, Dam KH, Van Lith LM, Hatzold K, Marcell AV, Mavhu W, Kahabuka C, Mahlasela L, Njeuhmeli E, Seifert Ahanda K, Ncube G, Lija G, Bonnecwe C, Tobian AAR. Age Differences in Perceptions of and Motivations for Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Among Adolescents in South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 66:S173-S182. [PMID: 29617775 PMCID: PMC5888947 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) have set a Fast-Track goal to achieve 90% coverage of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) among boys and men aged 10-29 years in priority settings by 2021. We aimed to identify age-specific facilitators of VMMC uptake among adolescents. Methods Younger (aged 10-14 years; n = 967) and older (aged 15-19 years; n = 559) male adolescents completed structured interviews about perceptions of and motivations for VMMC before receiving VMMC counseling at 14 service provision sites across South Africa, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) were estimated using multivariable modified Poisson regression models with generalized estimating equations and robust standard errors. Results The majority of adolescents reported a strong desire for VMMC. Compared with older adolescents, younger adolescents were less likely to cite protection against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or other sexually transmitted infections (aPR, 0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], .66-.91) and hygienic reasons (aPR, 0.55; 95% CI, .39-.77) as their motivation to undergo VMMC but were more likely to report being motivated by advice from others (aPR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.54-2.29). Although most adolescents believed that undergoing VMMC was a normative behavior, younger adolescents were less likely to perceive higher descriptive norms (aPR, 0.79; .71-.89), injunctive norms (aPR, 0.86; 95% CI, .73-1.00), or anticipated stigma for being uncircumcised (aPR, 0.79; 95% CI, .68-.90). Younger adolescents were also less likely than older adolescents to correctly cite that VMMC offers men and boys partial HIV protection (aPR, 0.73; 95% CI, .65-.82). Irrespective of age, adolescents' main concern about undergoing VMMC was pain (aPR, 0.95; 95% CI, .87-1.04). Among younger adolescents, fear of pain was negatively associated with desire for VMMC (aPR, 0.89; 95% CI, .83-.96). Conclusions Age-specific strategies are important to consider to generate sustainable demand for VMMC. Programmatic efforts should consider building on the social norms surrounding VMMC and aim to alleviate fears about pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshan U Patel
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Kim H Dam
- Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lynn M Van Lith
- Johns Hopkins University Center for Communication Programs, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Arik V Marcell
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Webster Mavhu
- Centre for Sexual Health & HIV/AIDS Research, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | | | - Emmanuel Njeuhmeli
- Office of HIV/AIDS, Global Health Bureau, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Kim Seifert Ahanda
- Office of HIV/AIDS, Global Health Bureau, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, District of Columbia
| | | | - Gissenge Lija
- Ministry of Health, Community Development, Gender, Elderly and Children, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Aaron A R Tobian
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Kasprzyk D, Tshimanga M, Hamilton DT, Gorn GJ, Montaño DE. Identification of Key Beliefs Explaining Male Circumcision Motivation Among Adolescent Boys in Zimbabwe: Targets for Behavior Change Communication. AIDS Behav 2018; 22:454-470. [PMID: 28083832 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-016-1664-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Male circumcision (MC) significantly reduces HIV acquisition among men, leading WHO/UNAIDS to recommend high HIV and low MC prevalence countries circumcise 80% of adolescents and men age 15-49. Despite significant investment to increase MC capacity only 27% of the goal has been achieved in Zimbabwe. To increase adoption, research to create evidence-based messages is greatly needed. The Integrated Behavioral Model (IBM) was used to investigate factors affecting MC motivation among adolescents. Based on qualitative elicitation study results a survey was designed and administered to a representative sample of 802 adolescent boys aged 13-17 in two urban and two rural areas in Zimbabwe. Multiple regression analysis found all six IBM constructs (2 attitude, 2 social influence, 2 personal agency) significantly explained MC intention (R2 = 0.55). Stepwise regression analysis of beliefs underlying each IBM belief-based construct found 9 behavioral, 6 injunctive norm, 2 descriptive norm, 5 efficacy, and 8 control beliefs significantly explained MC intention. A final stepwise regression of all the significant IBM construct beliefs identified 12 key beliefs best explaining intention. Similar analyses were carried out with subgroups of adolescents by urban-rural and age. Different sets of behavioral, normative, efficacy, and control beliefs were significant for each sub-group. This study demonstrates the application of theory-driven research to identify evidence-based targets for the design of effective MC messages for interventions to increase adolescents' motivation. Incorporating these findings into communication campaigns is likely to improve demand for MC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danuta Kasprzyk
- Department of Family & Child Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Family and Child Nursing, School of Nursing, University of Washington, Box 357262, Seattle, WA, 98195-7262, USA.
| | - Mufuta Tshimanga
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Deven T Hamilton
- Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Gerald J Gorn
- Department of Management and Marketing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Daniel E Montaño
- Department of Family & Child Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Services and Implications for the Provision of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision: Results of a Systematic Literature Review. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149892. [PMID: 26938639 PMCID: PMC4777442 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is a critical HIV prevention tool. Since 2007, sub-Saharan African countries with the highest prevalence of HIV have been mobilizing resources to make VMMC available. While implementers initially targeted adult men, demand has been highest for boys under age 18. It is important to understand how male adolescents can best be served by quality VMMC services. Methods and Findings A systematic literature review was performed to synthesize the evidence on best practices in adolescent health service delivery specific to males in sub-Saharan Africa. PubMed, Scopus, and JSTOR databases were searched for literature published between January 1990 and March 2014. The review revealed a general absence of health services addressing the specific needs of male adolescents, resulting in knowledge gaps that could diminish the benefits of VMMC programming for this population. Articles focused specifically on VMMC contained little information on the adolescent subgroup. The review revealed barriers to and gaps in sexual and reproductive health and VMMC service provision to adolescents, including structural factors, imposed feelings of shame, endorsement of traditional gender roles, negative interactions with providers, violations of privacy, fear of pain associated with the VMMC procedure, and a desire for elements of traditional non-medical circumcision methods to be integrated into medical procedures. Factors linked to effective adolescent-focused services included the engagement of parents and the community, an adolescent-friendly service environment, and VMMC counseling messages sufficiently understood by young males. Conclusions VMMC presents an opportune time for early involvement of male adolescents in HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health programming. However, more research is needed to determine how to align VMMC services with the unique needs of this population.
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MacLaren D, Tommbe R, Mafile’o T, Manineng C, Fregonese F, Redman-MacLaren M, Wood M, Browne K, Muller R, Kaldor J, McBride WJ. Foreskin cutting beliefs and practices and the acceptability of male circumcision for HIV prevention in Papua New Guinea. BMC Public Health 2013; 13:818. [PMID: 24015786 PMCID: PMC3846639 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-13-818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male circumcision (MC) reduces HIV acquisition and is a key public health intervention in settings with high HIV prevalence, heterosexual transmission and low MC rates. In Papua New Guinea (PNG), where HIV prevalence is 0.8%, there is no medical MC program for HIV prevention. There are however many different foreskin cutting practices across the country's 800 language groups. The major form exposes the glans but does not remove the foreskin. This study aimed to describe and quantify foreskin cutting styles, practices and beliefs. It also aimed to assess the acceptability of MC for HIV prevention in PNG. METHODS Cross-sectional multicentre study, at two university campuses (Madang Province and National Capital District) and at two 'rural development' sites (mining site Enga Province; palm-oil plantation in Oro Province). Structured questionnaires were completed by participants originating from all regions of PNG who were resident at each site for study or work. RESULTS Questionnaires were completed by 861 men and 519 women. Of men, 47% reported a longitudinal foreskin cut (cut through the dorsal surface to expose the glans but foreskin not removed); 43% reported no foreskin cut; and 10% a circumferential foreskin cut (complete removal). Frequency and type of cut varied significantly by region of origin (p < .001). Most men (72-82%) were cut between the ages of 10-20 years. Longitudinal cuts were most often done in a village by a friend, with circumferential cuts most often done in a clinic by a health professional. Most uncut men (71%) and longitudinal cut men (84%) stated they would remove their foreskin if it reduced the risk of HIV infection. More than 95% of uncut men and 97% of longitudinal cut men would prefer the procedure in a clinic or hospital. Most men (90%) and women (74%) stated they would remove the foreskin of their son if it reduced the risk of HIV infection. CONCLUSION Although 57% of men reported some form of foreskin cut only 10% reported the complete removal of the foreskin, the procedure on which international HIV prevention strategies are based. The acceptability of MC (complete foreskin removal) is high among men (for themselves and their sons) and women (for their sons). Potential MC services need to be responsive to the diversity of beliefs and practices and consider health system constraints. A concerted research effort to investigate the potential protective effects of longitudinal cuts for HIV acquisition is essential given the scale of longitudinal cuts in PNG.
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Affiliation(s)
- David MacLaren
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, McGregor Road, Smithfield, Cairns 4878, Queensland, Australia
| | - Rachael Tommbe
- School of Health Science, Pacific Adventist University, Port Moresby, National Capital District, Papua New Guinea
| | - Tracie Mafile’o
- Deputy Vice Chancellor, Pacific Adventist University, Port Moresby, National Capital District, Papua New Guinea
| | - Clement Manineng
- Faculty of Health Science, Divine Word University, Madang, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea
| | - Federica Fregonese
- Global Health Unit, University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michelle Redman-MacLaren
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, McGregor Road, Smithfield, Cairns 4878, Queensland, Australia
| | - Michael Wood
- School of Arts and Social Science, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kelwyn Browne
- Rural Primary Health Services Delivery Project, National Department of Health, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
| | - Reinhold Muller
- School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Science, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
- Tropical Health Solutions, Townsville, Australia
| | - John Kaldor
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - William John McBride
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, McGregor Road, Smithfield, Cairns 4878, Queensland, Australia
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Umar E, Mandalazi P, Jere D, Muula A. Should female health providers be involved in medical male circumcision? Narratives of newly circumcised men in Malawi. Malawi Med J 2013; 25:72-77. [PMID: 24358423 PMCID: PMC3859992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Malawi government has endorsed voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) as a biomedical strategy for HIV prevention after a decade of debating its effectiveness in the local setting. The "policy" recommends that male circumcision (MC) should be clinically based, as opposed to the alternative of traditional male circumcision (TMC). Limited finances, acceptability concerns, and the health system's limited capacity to meet demand are among the challenges threatening the mass rollout of VMMC. In terms of acceptability, the gender of clinicians conducting the operations may particularly influence health facility-based circumcision. This study explored the acceptability, by male clients, of female clinicians taking part in the circumcision procedure. METHODS Six focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted, with a total of 47 newly circumcised men from non-circumcising ethnic groups in Malawi participating in this study. The men had been circumcised at three health facilities in Lilongwe District in 2010. Data were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using narrative analysis. RESULTS Participants in the FGDs indicated that they were not comfortable with women clinicians being part of the circumcising team. While few mentioned that they were not entirely opposed to female health providers' participation, arguing that their involvement was similar to male clinicians' involvement in child delivery, most of them opposed to female involvement, arguing that MC was not an illness that necessitates the involvement of clinicians regardless of their gender. Most of the participants said that it was not negotiable for females to be involved, as they could wait until an all-male clinician team could be available. Thematically, the arguments against female clinicians' involvement include sexual undertones and the influences of traditional male circumcision practices, among others. CONCLUSION Men preferred that VMMC should be conducted by male health providers only. Traditionally, male circumcision has been a male-only affair shrouded in secrecy and rituals. Although being medical, this study strongly suggested that it may be difficult for VMMC to immediately move to a public space where female health providers can participate, even for men coming from traditionally non-circumcising backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Umar
- University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Department of Community Health, Blantyre, Malawi
| | - P Mandalazi
- University of Malawi, Kamuzu College of Nursing, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - D Jere
- University of Malawi, Kamuzu College of Nursing, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - A Muula
- University of Malawi, College of Medicine, Department of Community Health, Blantyre, Malawi
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Can combination prevention strategies reduce HIV transmission in generalized epidemic settings in Africa? The HPTN 071 (PopART) study plan in South Africa and Zambia. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2013; 63 Suppl 2:S221-7. [PMID: 23764639 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0b013e318299c3f4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) is conducting the HPTN 071 (PopART) study in 21 communities in Zambia and South Africa with support from a consortium of funders. HPTN 071 (PopART) is a community-randomized trial of a combination prevention strategy to reduce HIV incidence in the context of the generalized epidemic of southern Africa. The full PopART intervention strategy is anchored in home-based HIV testing and facilitated linkage of HIV-infected persons to care through community health workers and universal antiretroviral therapy for seropositive persons regardless of CD4+ cell count or HIV viral load. To further reduce the risk of HIV acquisition among uninfected individuals, the study aims to expand voluntary medical male circumcision, diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections, behavioral counseling, and condom distribution. The full PopART intervention strategy also incorporates promotion of other interventions designed to reduce HIV and tuberculosis transmission, including optimization of the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission and enhanced individual and public health tuberculosis services. Success for the PopART strategy depends on the ability to increase coverage for the study interventions whose uptake is a necessary antecedent to a prevention effect. Processes will be measured to assess the degree of penetration of the interventions into the communities. A randomly sampled population cohort from each community will be used to measure the impact of the PopART strategy on HIV incidence over 3 years. We describe the strategy being tested and progress to date in the HPTN 071 (PopART) study.
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Mkandawire P, Luginaah I, Dixon J, Armah F, Arku G. Circumcision status and time to first sex among never-married young men in Malawi: evidence from the demographic and health survey. AIDS Behav 2013; 17:2123-35. [PMID: 23474595 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-013-0444-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the association between circumcision status and the timing of first sexual intercourse among adolescents in Malawi. Results of survival models applied to nationally representative sample of never-married young men aged between 15 and 24 obtained from the Demographic and Health Survey data show that being circumcised is associated with earlier initiation of sexual activity in Malawi. Young men who reported being circumcised experienced their first sexual intercourse earlier in life than their uncircumcised counterparts. Although the introduction of theoretically relevant knowledge, socio-cultural, demographic, and socioeconomic variables in the multivariate models attenuated the association between circumcision and earlier sexual initiation, the relationship nonetheless remained robust. The study concludes by discussing the implications of these findings and suggests relevant policy recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Mkandawire
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
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