Factors influencing uptake of safe male circumcision services; case study: Rwenshama fishing community, Rukungiri district

Abstract

The study was purely qualitative in nature and it aimed at finding out the factors that influence the uptake of SMC in the fishing community. Rwenshama fishing community in Rukungiri district was selected as a study area. Males aged 15-49 years were targeted with the objectives of evaluating their level of awareness of SMC, finding out what motivates them to seek for SMC services and determine the barriers to SMC as HIV prevention measure. FGDs were conducted with three categories of participants dominant in the area; the fishermen, boat owners and traders in general merchandise totaling to 26 participants. The findings of this study indicate that the level of awareness on SMC among 15-49 year males was relatively high. Radios, hospitals and health camps were the major sources of information and knowledge of SMC. Those that sought for SMC services associated it to increased protection from HIV/STIs, improved sexual desirability and performance, hygiene, prevention of bruises and generally accepted by the community as a healthy service. However, there were limitations/barriers that included misinformation about SMC especially; “your private parts are at a risk of diseases because you have exposed them” were promoted by those against SMC, limited campaigns and instructional materials, and generally poor coordination among stakeholders towards the promotion of SMC. The findings of this study demonstrate that males between 15-49 years of age at Rwenshama fishing community were largely aware of the benefits brought by SMCs. However, social-cultural beliefs and limited access to proper medical services after SMCs continue to pose a threat to the success of SMC programme. Proper packaging of SMC message should be done to dispel misinformation and provision of medical services need to be prioritized by the Ministry of Health with support of the local NGOs and leaders.