Keywords : Foreskin removal, male circumcision coverage, snip, voluntary medical male circumcision. Cite this article: Rebekka Ndatolewe Shikesho et al. Male circumcision in Otjozondjupa Region, Namibia: insights into prevalence and social acceptance. Introduction: Male circumcision MC has been practiced in numerous traditions for centuries mainly for hygiene, religious and initiation purposes. Research has found the ability of male circumcision to significantly reduce HIV transmission from women to men.
This study sought to determine the acceptability and prevalence of male circumcision in Otjozondjupa Region. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted. A sample of participants was chosen using convenience sampling. We ran linear and logistic regression to predict the prevalence of male circumcision. Logistic regression was used to determine the knowledge of the link between male circumcision and HIV transmission.
Acceptability was also high as Majority of participants Conclusion: male circumcision is well accepted in Otjozondjupa although it did not meet the target. There is a need for more campaigns as well as continuous sensitization and education on the importance of male circumcision to boost prevalence. It is also essential to engage traditional circumcisers in HIV education as they perform a high proportion of circumcisions in the region.
The primary infection route has been identified as heterosexual sex [ 3 ]. Evidence suggests that the spread of HIV in Namibia is driven by multiple concurrent sexual partners, aided by age-incongruent sex partners, low condom use and lower MC amongst the population [ 4 , 5 ]. Male circumcision MC has been practiced in numerous traditions for centuries. In Africa, it is practiced as an initiation into adulthood and for hygiene purposes [ 8 , 9 ]. It is also practiced for religious purposes specifically in the Jews and Muslim societies [ 10 ].
Research has found the ability of male circumcision to significantly reduce HIV transmission from women to men [ 11 , 12 ]. Several ecological studies undertaken in sub-Saharan Africa have found a geographical correlation between areas with higher prevalence of HIV and lower prevalence of male circumcision [ 13 , 14 ].
