Original Research

Male circumcision perceptions among HIV vaccine trial participants in Soweto: Qualitative study

Mbalenhle Sibiya, Fatima Laher, Mamakiri Mulaudzi, Lerato M. Makhale, Taibat Salami, Stefanie Hornschuh, Hong-Van Tieu, Janan J. Dietrich
Journal of the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa | Vol 2, No 1 | a58 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/jcmsa.v2i1.58 | © 2024 Mbalenhle Sibiya, Fatima Laher, Mamakiri Mulaudzi, Lerato M. Makhale, Taibat Salami, Stefanie Hornschuh, Hong-Van Tieu, Janan J. Dietrich | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 23 November 2023 | Published: 30 September 2024

About the author(s)

Mbalenhle Sibiya, Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Fatima Laher, Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Mamakiri Mulaudzi, Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Lerato M. Makhale, Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Taibat Salami, School of Medicine, University of Texas, San Antonio, Texas, United States
Stefanie Hornschuh, Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
Hong-Van Tieu, Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention, New York Blood Center, New York, United States; and Division of Infectious Diseases, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, United States
Janan J. Dietrich, Perinatal HIV Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; African Social Sciences Unit of Research and Evaluation (ASSURE), Faculty of Health Sciences, Wits Health Consortium, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa; and Health Systems Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

Background: Male circumcision has health benefits and cultural significance in South Africa and elsewhere. We sought to understand perceptions about male circumcision among participants enrolled in a preventive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) vaccine efficacy trial in South Africa.

Methods: We conducted a qualitative study with 28 consenting people aged 18–35 years old who self-reported that they were not living with HIV and who were participating in the HIV Vaccine Trials Network (HVTN) 702 vaccine efficacy trial in Soweto. Using a semi-structured guide, we facilitated four focus group discussions (FGDs) stratified by age, gender and sexual orientation. Focus group discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, translated into English and thematically analysed.

Results: Four main themes emerged: (1) accurate knowledge about what male circumcision is, with some participants stating that it partially reduces acquisition of HIV and sexually transmitted infections; (2) emerging distrust of cultural circumcision because of perceived lack of transparency and adverse events; (3) misperceptions that circumcision boosted masculinity and (4) the influenced of parents, family and female partners in circumcision decision-making.

Conclusion: Young South African HIV vaccine trial participants accurately understand the HIV prevention benefits of male circumcision, but uptake decisions are embedded within a context informed by culture, sexuality, masculinity norms and values and the influence of women.

Contribution: In this study, we showed that young South Africans participating in HIV vaccine trials instead embed their circumcision uptake decisions within a context informed by culture, sexuality and masculinity norms and values and influence of women.


Keywords

qualitative; HIV prevention; circumcision; vaccine; cultural; South Africa

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

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