An analysis of female partners’ experiences, understanding and conceptions of voluntary medical male circumcision in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Studies conducted globally on the uptake of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) suggest that female partners are one of the major influences for the scale-up of VMMC. Educating and empowering women about medical circumcision could be a valuable strategy to promote  acceptability and further enhancement of VMMC by men. The aim of this study was to analyse female partners' experiences, understanding and conceptions of VMMC in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. Using a phenomenographic design, data were collected from twenty female partners who were purposively sampled from six different clinics that offer VMMC services in KZN, South Africa. A semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct individual face-to-face in-depth interviews, which were audio-recorded and subsequently transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed manually, coded and presented as descriptive categories of participants’ experiences, understanding and conceptions of VMMC. Participants’ experiences, understanding and conceptions of VMMC centred on perceived enhanced sexual pleasure and HIV prevention; however, the degree of partial protection against HIV was not clearly understood. The post-operative period appeared to be a major experience for female partners. Culturally sensitive communication strategies and appropriate health behaviour modification approaches should be taught to women regarding VMMC. Educating women on all platforms on the extent of partial protection provided by circumcision against infections is also important to prevent women from engaging in risky sexual behaviours.