Men`s Perceptions of Medical Male Circumcision At Caluza Community, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa

Despite the promotion of traditional prevention methods of HIV infection, KwaZulu-Natal still remains a province with the highest prevalence rate of HIV infections in South Africa. Surprisingly, Pietermaritzburg where Caluza (the proposed study area) is located is said to be the epicentre of HIV and AIDS in KwaZulu-Natal in spite of efforts by various non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the Provincial Government’s Department of Health raising awareness on issues of HIV and AIDS.  In addition, more recently, attention has been drawn to the importance of medical male circumcision, and the need to return to the old Zulu traditional practice of male circumcision in order to prevent HIV infections, as noted by King Goodwill Zwelithini ka Bhekuzulu in his speech on reinstating male circumcision, on the 4th of December, 2009.

A qualitative endogenous research design that is explorative, descriptive and contextual will be undertaken using unstructured individual interviews and analysis of narrative records such as personal diaries. A purposeful sample will be drawn or handpicked from participants who have existing knowledge on HIV prevention strategies including medical male circumcision. The target sample size will be achieved based on saturation with regard to participants repeating same information, so that no new or additional information emerges. Qualitative data will be analysed by drawing themes and meanings from the in-depth individual interviews through the process of data reduction and data synthesis.

The study is expected to reveal the practice of male circumcision as a “medical intervention” with two phases namely:  (a) the exploration of men`s perceptions of medical male circumcision, and (b) the generation and description of guidelines to promote medical male circumcision. 

It is envisaged that the proposed study on men`s perception of medical male circumcision will lead to a better understanding amongst men about the magnitude of the HIV and AIDS epidemic.

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