The Belief that male circumcision reduces HIV transmission is a key predictor in circumcision status

A survey of Namibian Health Science students

Abstract

The aim of this research was to establish the circumcision prevalence and the factors associated with the uptake of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) among health science students. A crosssectional study was carried out between July - August 2019. An anonymized questionnaire with 22 items was self-administered to health science students. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was performed on the demographic and beliefs information obtained. Logistic regression models were used to explain the associations, with the significance level set at α = 0.05. Eighty-six (65.6%) males were circumcised out of the 131 participants. The majority of students were enrolled for Medicine (61%). The following factors were associated with circumcision: Kavango ethnic group, OR 2.70 [CI 0.84- 6.60]; Holding the belief that circumcision reduces HIV transmission risk OR 3.96 [CI 0.42 - 2.39]; VMMC campaigns involving local celebrities OR 5.83 [CI 0.20 - 3.43]. This study highlights the need for upscaling VMMC among Health Science students via social mobilization and advocacy.