Prevalence and Predictors of Uncircumcised, Kenyan Men’s Desire for Circumcision for Their Infant Sons

Abstract

Men are key decision makers for their son's circumcision, so understanding their beliefs is important for the uptake of early infant male circumcision in countries in sub-Saharan Africa that have high HIV prevalence. We analyzed men's preferences for circumcising their sons using data from a population-representative survey of 1501 uncircumcised men aged 25-49 years in western Kenya. Most men (59%) reported they would "definitely" want their son circumcised if a son was born to them within the next year. However, only 25% intended to become circumcised themselves. In multivariable Poisson regression models to estimate prevalence ratios, key predictors of the desire to circumcise their sons included knowledge that circumcision reduces HIV acquisition, having a supportive partner, discussing circumcision with the partner, altruism, and intention to be circumcised himself. Focusing on partner dynamics may have the greatest capacity to increase demand since 55% had not talked to their partner about circumcision.

Critical Evaluation of a Survey Claiming “Long-Term Adverse Outcomes from Neonatal Circumcision”*

“…Willingness by men was particularly high for getting their sons circumcised (e.g., see [94] [102] [103]). Most women in different countries would encourage an uncircumcised partner to get circumcised, and most preferred circumcision for sons (see systematic reviews [104] [105]).…”