Lived experiences of men who underwent safe male medical circumcision for HIV prevention in Rakai district, Uganda

Abstract

Introduction: This qualitative study examined the lived experiences of men who underwent male circumcision in Rakai district, traditionally non circumcising region. Male circumcision is scientifically proven bio-medical intervention that reduces the risk of HIV among HIV negative men. Although there is much in the literature written about medical male circumcision, there is very little information about experiences as lived by humans who have been circumcised. Objectives: The main objective of the study was to explore the lived experiences of men who underwent male circumcision as HIV prevention, in Rakai. Explore how circumcised men deal with societal interpretation of their new status, exploring the facilitators and barriers to positive perceptions of MMC and how lived experienced of circumcised men can modify health education messages and practices. Methodology: In-depth face to face interviews were held with 13 circumcised men, these men were purposively selected by the researcher to share their lived experiences about male circumcision. Hermeneutic phenomenology was used as the philosophical underpinning to describe, and interpret common elements, themes, or partners of lived experiences of circumcised men. Audio recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically; significant statements were gathered and clustered into and analyzed according to the research objectives. Results: The phenomenon of being circumcised emerged as experiences of: Study indicated that circumcised men, experienced hesitancy to circumcise due to fear of pain, fear of shames ,fear of the procedure and misconceptions, concern for safety, under the hands of an experienced service provider, experienced public image, patience and tough times during the health period. Recommendations: The implementing partners should make use of the satisfied user to demystify rumors, myths and misconception about male circumcision. They will be able to share their experiences as lived, hence increasing the service uptake. Small group targeted meeting should be held among married uncircumcised men together with their spouses so that they get to know the basics of male circumcision, how the procedure is done and how to care for the wound. Conclusion: The men were able to share their experiences of circumcising in traditionally non circumcising region such as Rakai district, how they handled the societal interpretation of their new status and the facilitators and barriers to positive perceptions. Hermeneutic phenomenology has enabled the researcher to gather a rich description of the circumcised men in Rakai and also a deep understanding of how people experience male circumcision.