Title:
Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) Among Males in Zambezi Region, Namibia

Authors:
Rosalia Nairenge, Linda N Lukolo*, Namibia

Abstract:

Male circumcision is one of the popular intervention methods that is fully supported by modern health practitioners to curb the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that leads to Acquired immune deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) with estimate of 60% and to reduce the risk of some sexual transmitted infections, cervical and penile cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, practices and responsiveness of males towards voluntary medical male circumcision in Zambezi Region. This was a cross sectional study among men from 15 years and older in five randomly selected constituencies of Zambezi Region. Participants were selected using probability sampling method. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, consisted of four sections, namely: sociodemographic, level of knowledge, attitudes towards VMMC and responsiveness. The data was entered into Microsoft excel sheet and analyzed with Epi-info 7.2 software. Frequencies and proportions were generated and bivariate analysis were performed to determine associations. A total number of 379 participants were involved in the study. Most participants were between the age group of 20-29 years 124 (33%), majority of participants 292 (77%) resides in rural area, mostly in Linyanti constituency 144(38%). Most participants indicated being single 256 (68%), and a total of 365 (95%) can read and write. Majority had adequate knowledge 354(95%) and positive attitudes 330 (87%) towards VMMC. Association of circumcision status with level of knowledge was (OR=0.1, CL=0.08-0.50) p-value=0.0004, type of attitude (OR= 0.1, CL= 0.07-0.29) p-value= 0.0001 and this was all significant. This study concluded that participants had adequate knowledge and positive attitudes towards VMMC, however there are some men with lack of knowledge and negative attitudes towards the VMMC program. Therefore, the study recommends for more education and awareness campaigns on VMMC in order to facilitate behavior change among this group and enhance the performance of the VMMC program in the region.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.51505/IJMSHR.2021.5109