Knowledge and Attitudes About Male Circumcision for HIV-1 Prevention among Heterosexual HIV-1 Serodiscordant Partnerships in Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

Male circumcision for HIV-1 prevention will require high uptake among at-risk populations. 318 HIV-1 serodiscordant couples in Kampala, Uganda [155 (48.7%) with HIV-1 uninfected male partners] were interviewed about male circumcision for HIV-1 prevention. 77.1% of men and 89.6% of women were aware that circumcision reduces men’s risk for HIV-1 acquisition. Almost all understood the partial protective efficacy of circumcision for HIV-1 acquisition and lack of reduced HIV-1 transmission from circumcising HIV-1 infected men. Among couples with uncircumcised HIV-1 negative men (n = 92), 53.3% of men and 88.1% of female partners expressed interest in male circumcision. Previous discussion within the couple about circumcision for HIV-1 prevention was significantly associated with interest in the procedure. HIV-1 serodiscordant couples in Uganda demonstrated a high level of understanding of the partial protective effect of male circumcision for HIV-1 prevention, but only half of HIV-1 uninfected uncircumcised men expressed interest in the procedure.

Informing the Scaling Up of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Efforts Through the Use of Theory of Reasoned Action: Survey Findings Among Uncircumcised Young Men in Swaziland

“…Westercamp & Bailey, 2007). At the same time, the negative findings of the current study contradict previous studies related to circumcision and knowledge about the ability of VMMC to protect against HIV (Mugwanya et al, 2010), inconveniences associated with the 6-week healing process, and perceived access and affordability of VMMC services (Albert et al, 2011;Downs et al, 2013;Kalichman & Eaton, 2009;Lukobo & Bailey, 2007;Mattson et al, 2005;Mavhu et al, 2011;Milford, Smit, Beksinska, & Ramkissoon, 2012;Ngalande et al, 2006;M. Westercamp et al, 2012;N.…”

“…Such beliefs could be discussed in community group settings where people are able to express their opinions and where a productive dialogue can generate a more accurate understanding of the long-term effects of the procedure. Such open discussion forums should include women as well, especially because other studies have suggested that female involvement in conversations about circumcision could be helpful in persuading men to become circumcised (Montaño et al, 2014;Mugwanya et al, 2010;M. Westercamp et al, 2012).…”

Female Partner Acceptance as a Predictor of Men’s Readiness to Undergo Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision in Zambia: The Spear and Shield Project

“…VMMC attitudes and acceptance were assessed using a measure adapted from the Uganda National Serosurvey [23, 24]. Items related to women's acceptance included the perceived cultural acceptability of VMMC among women, how strongly women preferred a circumcised or uncircumcised sexual partner, the degree to which women would advise a sexual partner to undergo VMMC, and whether or not women would like their current partner to undergo VMMC.…”

Stages of Change for Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision and Sexual Risk Behavior in Uncircumcised Zambian Men: The Spear and Shield Project

“…VMMC knowledge and attitudes were assessed using a measure adapted from the Uganda National Serosurvey [23,28,29]. Participants reported both methods they currently used to prevent HIV and the methods they believed were effective.…”