Knowledge and Attitudes of Circumcision among Adult Male Clients Receiving Care in a Teaching Hospital in Kigali City, Rwanda.

Abstract

Background: Surgical male circumcision is one of the oldest and most frequently performed surgical procedures in the world. It reduces the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV infection by around 60%. Knowledge and Attitudes toward male circumcision are still a concern in Rwanda as male circumcision is not traditionally widespread in the country. This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes of male clients attending RMH regarding circumcision.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was used. Participants were 355 adult males and data was collected during 10 days. A structured questionnaire was used. Descriptive and analytical statistics were computed and OR, p values were presented in tables.

Results: The participants were sufficiently knowledgeable at 79.4% (n=282) and had positive attitudes at 57.7% (n=205) towards medical male circumcision(MMC). Private sector employees, method used for MMC, positive attitude, and proof of manhood were associated with knowledge with COR=0.291, (CI=0.095-0.891), p-value 0.031; COR=1.872, (CI=1.076-3.258], p-value 0.026; COR=0.492, (CI=0.255-0.767), p-value 0.004; COR=2.336, (CI=1.329-4.107) p-value 0.003 respectively. Community encouragement and knowledge were associated with attitude COR=1.680, (CI=1.025-2.753), p-value 0.040; COR=0.413, (CI=0.245-0.696), p-value 0.001 respectively.

Conclusion: Knowledge of male circumcision was sufficient and attitudes were positive. Generally, participants were highly motivated and knowledgeable about MMS.