Women's Perceptions and Misperceptions of Male Circumcision: A Mixed Methods Study in Zambia

PLoS One. 2016 Mar 3;11(3):e0149517. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149517. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

Women's perceptions of male circumcision (MC) have implications for behavioral risk compensation, demand, and the impact of MC programs on women's health. This mixed methods study combines data from the first two rounds of a longitudinal study (n = 934) and in-depth interviews with a subsample of respondents (n = 45) between rounds. Most women correctly reported that MC reduces men's risk of HIV (64% R1, 82% R2). However, 30% of women at R1, and significantly more (41%) at R2, incorrectly believed MC is fully protective for men against HIV. Women also greatly overestimated the protection MC offers against STIs. The proportion of women who believed MC reduces a woman's HIV risk if she has sex with a man who is circumcised increased significantly (50% to 70%). Qualitative data elaborate women's misperception regarding MC. Programs should address women's informational needs and continue to emphasize that condoms remain critical, regardless of male partner's circumcision status.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Circumcision, Male*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology*
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Sexual Behavior / physiology
  • Sexual Partners
  • Women's Health

Grants and funding

This study was conducted under a subgrant from Population Services International (PSI) through the Male Circumcision Partnership, which is sponsored by PSI with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.