Factors Influencing uptake of Safe Medical Male Circumcision Among Soldiers Aged Between 19 and 45 years in Bombo Military Barracks.

Abstract

Introduction This study investigated uptake of safe male circumcision among soldiers in Bombo military Barracks. It particularly sought to determine the factors influencing both uptake and non – uptake of safe male circumcision. The study was conceived because circumcision has been proven to offer 60% protection against HIV/AIDS, improvement in penile hygiene and reduction in the transmission of sexually transmitted infections to female partners among others. General objective To determine the factors influencing uptake of safe male circumcision among the soldiers aged between 19 and 45 years in Bombo military barracks with a view to improve the SMC services. Methodology The study adopted a cross sectional study design geared towards establishing those factors influencing uptake of safe male circumcision in Bombo barracks. Data from 384 respondents was collected by means of Key interview guide and questionnaires. Analysis was by using descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis. Results The study established that 79% of the respondents were circumcised. Of the various reasons to circumcise, hygiene factors ranked number one with 35.4% of the respondents acknowledging the reasons for their decision to opt for SMC. However, as much as it scored higher among other factors, its association was not statistically significant having a chi square of 1.9809 and P value of 0.159. During the analysis, it was observed that spouses‟ influence was contributing significantly (chi square 10.648 and p value 0.001). Conclusion The study concluded that all the respondents interviewed had ever heard of safe male circumcision, however, there was reluctance to use of condoms. Most of the respondents acknowledged that as much as circumcision was not traditionally practiced in their culture, the uptake was positively welcomed. Hygiene factor was a motivating factor towards circumcision. Recommendations The study recommends that there is need to scale up use of freely supplied condoms in the general Military Hospital as a back up to SMC. It does not only prevent HIV/AIDS transmission but also prevents unwanted pregnancies. Soldiers should be encouraged to pick condoms at different designated places and adopt regular HIV/AIDS testing. It is also paramount that the Directorate of HIV/AIDS in liaison with the Ministry of Health introduces prepex as alternative method to avert fears of pain. Women play a very important role when it comes to family decision making and so the program should be integrated in Antenatal care services so that the message is passed on to their partners who have not yet circumcised. In the same way commanders at all levels should be called upon to encourage their troops and subordinates during weekly meetings on the importance of SMC and condom use.