Barcelona 2013
Menu
AIDSImpact.com
Conference Details
Authors
International Committee
Plenary Speakers
Presenting Speakers
Programme
Sessions
Scientific Committee
Acknowledgements
| Abstract #482 - E-Posters English | ||||
|
Session: 50.3: E-Posters English (Poster) on Sunday in Chaired by Authors: Presenting Author: Mr Hilton Humphries - Human Science Research Council, South Africa |
||||
| Additional Authors: Dr. Jordi Casabona, Sra Cristina Sanclemente, Dra. Anna Esteve, Dra. Victoria Gonzalez, Grupo HIVITS TS, | ||||
| Aim: Three independent randomized controlled trials conducted in Africa have demonstrated a 60% protective effect of medical male circumcision (MMC). Large-scale MMC could have a significant effect on HIV prevalence in generalized HIV epidemics, especially with populations that with low MMC rates. To date, high rates of implementation and coverage of MMC has been difficult to achieve in many of these contexts. In KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa, despite a prevalence of 25% in 2009, the province only achieved 18% of its proposed MMC target in 2010/2011. In-depth qualitative investigations that provide a holistic view of MMC and the barriers to uptake are required. We conducted a qualitative examination of the acceptability, challenges and perceptions of MMC from men, women, couples and service providers in a high HIV prevalence, traditionally non-circumcising rural area in KZN, South Africa. | ||||
| Method / Issue: We interviewed women (3 focus groups [FGD]), men who are circumcised (3 FGD), men who have not been circumcised (3 FGD), couples (8 interviews) and service providers (10 interviews) regarding acceptability and barriers to MMC uptake. Participants were recruited from current studies underway in the community and from service providers in the local area. The study used well-informed facilitators and question guides informed by the latest research in order to try and obtain detailed information that moved beyond a superficial level of barriers to MMC. | ||||
| Results / Comments: Preliminary results raised a plethora of interesting findings that could inform MMC service provision. The results highlight the potentially significant role that women and couples could play in uptake and motivation of MMC. Participants commented on the sexual appeal of the circumcised penis as well its enhanced sexual performance and pleasure. For both men and women these were key motivating factors influencing uptake of circumcision. The opinions of others in social networks affected individual decisions regarding MMC and one negative interaction seemed to outweigh any positive beliefs, and reduced the motivation to take up the service. Other important findings include the large numbers of false beliefs and mis-information around MMC and the lack of responsiveness to these by service providers. | ||||
| Discussion: The study suggests the need for increased innovation and responsiveness to local contexts with regards to MMC provision. Partner buy-in or partners motivating for MMC could provide innovation in service provision but currently remains an almost unexplored avenue in MMC programmes. Sexual reproductive health and sexual performance are important issues and appear to have a significant impact on the motivation to have MMC. Tailoring services and information dissemination to men, women and couples jointly could have a important effect on the uptake of MMC. The findings suggest that mobilising MMC as part of sexual reproductive health for men and women may present an excellent opportunity for promoting MMC that moves beyond promoting it as a HIV prevention strategy for men only. Methods for systematically sharing locally acceptable and suitable information to responses to community beliefs and false information may be important in the design of MMC programmes and assist in reducing barriers to MMC uptake. | ||||
| Go Back | ||||