An exploration of knowledge, attitude and practise (kap) of parents and guardians regarding male pre-puberty circumcision as a measure for reducing hiv/aids transmission in kampala

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) of parents and guardians regarding male pre-puberty circumcision as a measure for reducing HIV/AIDS transmission in Kampala. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 72 non-Muslim households (each represented by one parent or guardian) with at least one male child below the age of 12. The sample was randomly selected from 6 parishes (3 each from 2 divisions out of the 5 that constitute Kampala city). It was intended to document the general knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) of parents and guardians in Kampala related to male pre-pubertal circumcision, in order to determine factors that influence it as well as measures that could be taken to enhance related positive behaviour change. The results pertaining to knowledge showed that the level of correct knowledge is generally high with regard to the male circumcision procedure and with regard to perceptions of service delivery within the community related to the procedure. However, the level of knowledge related to pre-puberty circumcision in particular and the risks and benefits associated with it was relatively less developed. Respondents’ attitudes to pre-puberty circumcision were generally positive and there was a high level of potential and actual acceptability of pre-puberty circumcision though this was sometimes founded on questionable premises. However, the perceptions of risks associated with the procedure (even when performed under ideal conditions) were higher than expected. Respondent's practices related to male pre-puberty circumcision demonstrated a gap between actual and potential demand for the procedure; while actual prevalence is very low, most respondents professed a willingness to undertake the procedure if it was available, affordable and performed in conditions that are generally perceived as safe and hygienic by trained practitioners. The study overall demonstrated that with wider availability of male pre-puberty circumcision services and better, well-targeted information, there is a huge potential for successful behavioral change interventions related to male pre-puberty circumcision as a method for reducing HIV/AIDS transmission. However, wide-spread adoption of the practice will depend on successful integration of existing social, economic and cultural factors into male pre-puberty policies and programmes