Perceptions and experiences of female partners of clients of voluntary medical male circumcision in Harare, Zimbabwe
Date
2017
Authors
Mazambara, Fine
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Introduction
Zimbabwe is lagging behind on its target to scale up Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision
(VMMC). The engagement of female partners in VMMC demand creation is important as
they can play an important role in their male partners’ decision to uptake VMMC. Exploring
women’s perceptions and experiences will help to better understand factors behind low uptake of
VMMC in Zimbabwe as efforts are being made to scale up VMMC for HIV prevention. The aim of
the study was to explore female partners’ underlying perceptions and experiences of having
their partners undergo medical male circumcision in order to inform the development of
promotional messages on the basis of women’s experiences with VMMC.
Methods
The study was conducted in Mbare, an urban high density suburb in the southern district of
Harare utilising qualitative methodology. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted
using an in-depth interview guide. Through purposive sampling a total of twenty female
partners of medically circumcised men attending antenatal clinic between February and May
2016 were recruited. Interviews were audio recorded and transcripts were analysed using
content analysis.
Results
The results show that women were knowledgeable about VMMC. The perception towards
medical male circumcision was linked to the perceived benefits of VMMC. The main role
that women played was encouraging their male partners. The perception of women towards
VMMC was generally good. The perceived benefits of having a circumcised partner were
Fine Mazambara 872453 iv
reduced risk of HIV and STIs, improved sexual experience, improved hygiene, improved
sexual communication, no need to use condoms and improvement of the relationship. The
risk perception towards HIV and STIs was decreased after the male partner’s VMMC and
fear of risk compensation was reported. Women had misconceptions about adverse events of
circumcision and the age at which men can be circumcised. Mass media was the main source
of VMMC information for women. VMMC was understood to offer direct protection from
HIV for women and circumcised men were understood to being conferred full protection
from HIV and STIs.
Conclusions
Women have knowledge on VMMC although their knowledge on adverse events associated
with circumcision, age at which men can be circumcised, indirect protection for women, and
partial protection for men can be improved. The perceptions of women towards VMMC
were influenced by the perceived benefits of having a circumcised partner. The main
perceived benefits of having a VMMC client as a male partner is reduced risk of HIV and
STIs and improved sexual experience. Targeted health messages directed at women should
therefore aim at increasing women’s knowledge of VMMC, include improved sexual
experience and take gender issues into consideration.
Description
A research submitted to the faculty of health science (School of Public Health),
University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the
Degree of Masters in Public Health in the field of Social and Behaviour Change
Communication. October 2017.