Factors influencing uptake of voluntary medical male circumcision among men in Rorya district, Tanzania

Abstract

Introduction: Almost two decades ago, the WHO and UNAIDS declared male circumcision as one of the methods for the prevention of new HIV infections in high-burden countries. Despite efforts by government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), uptake of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) among non-traditional circumcising communities in Northern Tanzania is below 60%. Hence, there is a need to investigate factors influencing the uptake of VMMC in these communities for the integration of VMMC programs in HIV prevention.
Objective: To explore factors influencing the uptake of VMMC services among men in traditional non-circumcising communities in Rorya district, Mara region.
Materials and methods: This case study used a qualitative approach to explore factors influencing the uptake of VMMC in the Rorya district. In-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were used to collect information from purposively selected participants. Four FGDs involving eight members each and 20 IDIs were conducted during the study. Data was recorded using audio recorders. Data was transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was done with the help of NVivo version 12.
Results: This study's findings can be grouped into three main themes: community awareness, cultural factors, and socioeconomic factors influencing VMMC. Generally, participants mentioned stigma and discrimination, community awareness, parental decision-making, belief in traditional circumcision methods, fear of side effects, misconceptions, access to health facilities, and family income as factors influencing VMMC.
Conclusion: VMMC interventions tailored to influence community awareness and cultural and socioeconomic factors may pave the way for the successful provision of VMMC for HIV prevention in northern Tanzania.