Male circumcision has both health benefits and significance to some cultures. We sought to understand perceptions about male circumcision as part of the HIV prevention toolkit among participants enrolled in a preventive HIV vaccine efficacy trial in South Africa. We conducted a qualitative study with 28 people aged 18-35 years old who self-reported that they were not living with HIV, provided informed consent, and who were participating in the HVTN 702 vaccine efficacy trial in Soweto. Using a semi-structured guide, we facilitated four focus group discussions (FGDs) stratified by age, gender, and sexual orientation. FGDs were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated into English, and thematically analysed. Four main themes emerged. (1) Everyone had accurate knowledge about what male circumcision is, and some participants stated that it partially reduces acquisition of HIV and sexually transmitted infections. (2) There was an emerging distrust of cultural circumcision because of perceived lack of transparency and adverse events. (3) There was a perception that circumcision boosted masculinity. (4) The choice to circumcise was influenced by parents, family, and female partners. In conclusion, the study found that young South African HIV vaccine trial participants accurately understand the HIV prevention benefits of male circumcision, but uptake decisions are embedded within a context that is informed by culture, sexuality and masculinity norms and values.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.