Knowledge of voluntary safe medical male circumcision among adults aged 15-49 years attending OPD at Mubende regional referral hospital. A cross-sectional study.

Arnold  Kasiita; Alois  Okadapao; Hasifah Nansereko; Franscisco Ssemuwemba; Immaculate Prosperia Naggulu; Jane Frank  Nalubega

doi:10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2425

Authors

Arnold Kasiita Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.
Mr. Alois Okadapao Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.
Hasifah Nansereko Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.
Franscisco Ssemuwemba Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences
Immaculate Prosperia Naggulu Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.
Jane Frank Nalubega Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/sjhrafrica.v7i3.2425

Keywords:

Medical Male Circumcision, Pain Control, Circumcision Risks, Voluntary Circumcision

Abstract

Background:

The study aimed to examine the knowledge of voluntary safe medical male circumcision among adults aged 15- 49 years attending the OPD at Mubende regional referral hospital.

Methodology:

A descriptive cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach was conducted among males aged 15–49 years attending the OPD at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. A total of 107 participants were selected using simple random sampling via a lottery method. Data were collected through structured close-ended questionnaires in English or Luganda. Piloting at Mityana General Hospital ensured validity. Data were entered into Excel and analyzed using SPSS v24, with results presented as frequencies and percentages. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained, ensuring confidentiality and voluntary participation.

Results:

The majority of respondents, 76 (71%), were aged 36–49 years, while 31 (29%) were aged 15–35 years. Slightly more than half were married (62, 58%), and 45 (42%) were unmarried. Most respondents had completed primary education or below (84, 78.5%), whereas only 23 (21.5%) had secondary education or higher. Most respondents, 67 (63%), knew the major health benefit, but 60 (56%) were unaware of potential risks or complications. Only 32 (29.9%) knew the type of pain control used during the procedure, while 71 (66.4%) understood what happens during VMMC. Knowledge of wound healing was low, with 80 (74.8%) unaware of the correct healing time, and follow-up knowledge was limited, as 90 (84.1%) did not know when to return to the health facility.

Conclusion:

Limited knowledge of VMMC, including its risks, pain control methods, healing time, and follow-up schedule, reduced its uptake.

Recommendation:

Standardized pre-procedure counseling covering risks, pain control, healing, and follow-up should be provided at all outreach and facility contacts.

Author Biographies

Arnold Kasiita , Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

pursuing a diploma in clinical medicine and community health at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

Mr. Alois Okadapao, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

research supervisor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

Hasifah Nansereko, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

research supervisor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

Immaculate Prosperia Naggulu, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

research supervisor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

Jane Frank Nalubega, Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences.

research supervisor at Mildmay Institute of Health Sciences

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