home
library
search contact review

Trial Intervention Introducing Male Circumcision to Reduce HIV/STD Infections in Nyanza Province, Kenya: Baseline Results

1R. Bailey, 2R. Muga, 3R. Poulussen
1 University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health, 2121 West Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60612, United States;
2 Director Medical Services, Nairobi, Kenya;
3 Health Sector Reform Secretariat, Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract

Background: As part of baseline for a trial intervention introducing male circumcision (MC) services in Nyanza Province where MC is not traditionally practiced, acceptabilty of MC was accessed in the intervention district and a control district. Also assessed was clinician experience with safe MC procedures, knowledge of informed consent procedures, and availability of supplies and instruments.

Methods: Cross-sectional design. Interviews lasting 25-65 mintues with 106 Luo men and 110 Luo women were conducted in periurban and rural settings with adults, ages 17-70. Written questionnaires were administered to 46 clinicians, and inventories of supplies and instruments necessary for MC were taken in 8 health centers.

Results: The Luo men and women believed that it easier for circumcised men to maintain cleanliness (93% of men, 94% of women); that uncircumcised men are more likely to contract an STD (81%, 75%), including AIDS (44%, 53%), enjoy sex less (48%, 56%), and give women less sexual satisfaction (60%, 52%). Given a choice, 60% of uncircumcised men would prefer to be circumcised, and 62% of women would prefer a circumcised partner. Preferred age at circumcision was 8.6 years (range 1-22). Sixty-one percent of clinicians had performed one or more MC; knowledge of risks, benefits and safe procedures was low; 50% had no knowledge of informed consent. One of the 8 health centers had sufficient instruments and supplies for MC. There were no differences between the intervention district and the control district.

Conclusions: The results indicate that Luo men and women support introduction of MC services in their community as a means of increasing cleanliness, reducing risk of HIV/STD infection, and raising sexual pleasure. Training of health workers, provision of instruments and supplies for MC, and strengthening of HIV prevention counseling services must be strengthened if MC is to be introduced as an HIV/STD prevention strategy.

Bailey R, Muga R, Poulussen R. Trial intervention introducing male circumcision to reduce HIV/STD infections in Nyanza province, Kenya: Baseline results. In: 13th International AIDS Conference. Durban, South Africa - 9-14 July 2000.

File: www/library/bailey/index.html. Last updated: 24 Oct 2004.