MEDICAL MALE CIRCUMCISION FOR HIV/AIDS PREVENTION: ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE AMONG PRE-MEDICAL MALE STUDENTS AT LUSAKA APEX MEDICAL UNIVERSITY, CHALALA CAMPUS.

Abstract

Background Circumcision is defined as the permanent and complete removal of the foreskin (prepuce), the fold of skin that covers the head (or glans) of the penis and can be performed for medical reasons or as traditional and religious practices (WHO, 2018). The health burden of HIV infections is greatest in developing countries including Zambia, male circumcision is therefore one of the recommended HIV prevention intervention particularly in high prevalence areas, such as sub-Saharan Africa where transmission is largely related to heterosexual contact (WHO, 2018). Objective This study aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitude and practices of pre-medical male students on medical male circumcision with regard to HIV/AIDs prevention, at Lusaka Apex Medical University (LAMU), Zambia. Methods This study utilized a qualitative paradigm, guided by a Cross sectional survey design. 24 male participants between 18-25 years were selected by heterogeneous purposive sampling. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews with the aid of an interview guide and analyzed using NVivo software. Results The study revealed that majority of pre-medical male students at LAMU had good knowledge, positive attitude and good practices towards medical male circumcision with regard to HIV/AIDs prevention. Majority (17) were circumcised and majority revealed good knowledge on MC benefits including reducing HIV transmission risk, prevention of other STIs & cervical cancer and promotes good penile hygiene. Conclusion Although the study revealed majority of respondents to have good knowledge, positive attitude and good practices regarding MC, the absence of comprehensive MC educational efforts may have led to few respondents to show poor association of MC to HIV transmission. It is essential to ensure dissemination of information highlighting the role of MC in reducing the risk of HIV transmission and raise public awareness on the importance of combating HIV/AIDS in Zambia. Information communication should emphasize that MC does not provide absolute protection of HIV infection. Therefore, in as much as men get circumcised, they should as well engage in safe sexual practices, otherwise, cases of HIV infection may keep soaring high.