Assessment of factors affecting Utilization of Safe Male Circumcision among Males aged 15 to 49 years Living in Buremba Town Council, Kazo District. A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Introduction:

According to the Ministry of Health 2016, the prevalence of safe male circumcision was 0.43. This study assessed the factors affecting the utilization of safe male circumcision among males aged 15-49 years living in the Buremba Town Council, Kazo District.

Methodology: 

A descriptive cross-sectional study design involving the quantitative method of data collection was used in the study carried out in Buremba Town Council. The researcher utilized convenience sampling on 120 respondents from December 2021 to March 2022. The data collection process was for 6 days using self-administered questionnaires which were filled, cleaned, and later analyzed using tables.

Results:

The study established that 50.83% of the respondents expressed personal fear of pain and the major misconception about SMC was a reduction in sexual performance as reported by 42.5% of respondents. More so, a higher percentage of 94.74% of the circumcised respondents expressed satisfaction with the SMC service provided and 23.33% of the respondents did not recommend SMC to their sons or friends.

Conclusion: 

The major factors affecting the utilization of SMC among males living in Buremba Town Council were mostly knowledge related factors such as knowing the importance of safe male circumcision, misconceptions such as reduction in sexual performance, and personal fears such as pain whereas social-economic factors like cultural influence had the least effect on the study.

Recommendations: 

The parents in Buremba Town Council should adopt early childhood SMC to rule out factors like personal fears and misconceptions that increase with age. The health team of Buremba Town Council should continue male circumcision camps targeting specific age groups such as students in schools around to increase the benefits of SMC like reduced HIV/AIDs risks in the area. 

Conclusion: 

There are factors affecting SMC. These need to be considered when offering the services.