Work

Perceptions of Male Circumcision among Married Couples in Rural Malawi

Year: 2013

Type: article

Abstract: Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is being suggested as an essential HIV prevention strategy in high-prevalence areas. These analyses reflect data collected from 360 married couples, 50% of which included a circumcised husband and the other 50% uncircumcised, in rural Malawi. Regardless of their circumcision status, men were more likely to perceive that being circumcised was less painful than having a tooth pulled, giving birth, and having malaria. Men reported having the same sexual pleasure regardless of the circumcision status, while women were 2.0 times more likely to report greater sexual pleasure with a circumcised partner. Participants identified the medical benefits of VMMC and highlighted the potential personal benefits of VMMC. As VMMC has become a promising method of HIV prevention, this study revealed opportunities for intervention development to increase rates of VMMC among men.

Source: Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care (JIAPAC)

DOI: 10.1177/2325957413508319

Authors: Enbal Shacham, Susan Godlonton, Rebecca L. Thornton

Institutions: Saint Louis University, International Food Policy Research Institute, University of Michigan

Language: English

Topic: Genital Health and Disease

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,000