ACCEPTABILITY OF MALE CIRCUMCISION BY THE COMMUNITY AS A MEANS OF HIV/AIDS PREVENTION IN NYANZA DISTRICT, RWANDA

Abstract

This study seeks to determine the factors contributing to acceptability of male circumcision in Nyanza district. It discusses the knowledge and perceptions of the people of Nyanza on male circumcision and identifies several appropriate strategies for promoting male circumcision. The research employed quantitative research methods. Data was gathered using a questionnaire in order to establish the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The sample size was 216 respondents who were circumcised from January 2013 to December 2013. The sampling procedure method was purposive which selected 108 circumcised respondents and stratified methods was took 108 respondents data was collected using questionnaire .Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16. The data was presented using tables, frequencies, bar graphic, pie charts and percentages of responses from the answered questionnaire. The significance of the study was demonstrated as it helped the government to know the factors contributing to male circumcision and dictate policy that could improve the situation. In the community, this study brought information for preventing HIV/AIDS through male circumcision. Lastly, the study increased the researchers’ level of knowledge regarding male circumcision, allowing him to contribute his findings to the current literature on the topic the findings of the study have shown the following awareness of respondents on male circumcision: the findings of study has shown that awareness of respondent on male circumcision 96.8% of respondents have more information on male circumcision while 72.7% of respondents declared that male circumcision protected against HIV/AIDS,92.6% of respondents accepted that male circumcision promoted genital hygiene. Based on the above, the study concluded that raising people’s knowledge on the benefits of male circumcision would help in changing people’s perceptions and would therefore increase the societal acceptability of the procedure. It was recommended that the government collaborate together with the private sector to put in motion awareness campaigns on how male circumcision can reduce chances of getting HIV.