Multilevel influences on acceptance of medical male circumcision in Rakai District, Uganda

Pamela S. Lilleston, Arik V. Marcell, Neema Nakyanjo, Lori Leonard, Maria J. Wawer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Despite access to safe medical male circumcision (MMC) and proven effectiveness of the procedure in reducing acquisition of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, uptake remains suboptimal in many settings in sub-Saharan Africa, including Rakai District, Uganda. This study explored multilevel barriers and facilitators to MMC in focus group discussions (FGDs) (n = 35 groups) in Rakai. Focus groups were conducted from May through July 2012 with adolescent and adult males, with a range of HIV risk and reproductive health service use profiles, and with adolescent and adult females. Data were analyzed using Atlas.ti and an inductive approach. Participants’ discussions produced several key themes representing multilevel influences that may facilitate or create barriers to uptake of MMC. These include availability of MMC services, economic costs, masculine ideals, religion, and social influence. Understanding how males and females view MMC is a crucial step towards increasing uptake of the procedure and reducing disease transmission.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1049-1055
Number of pages7
JournalAIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV
Volume29
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 3 2017

Keywords

  • HIV
  • Medical male circumcision
  • Uganda
  • sexually transmitted infections

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Health(social science)
  • Social Psychology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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