Sexual Behaviour Among Men After Receiving Safe Male Circumcision:

Abstract

Background: This study investigated sexual behaviour among men who had received safe male circumcision. The study was carried out from Kasese municipality. The specific objectives of the study were; to assess social-demographic factors affecting sexual behavior among circumcised men, assess the impact of sensitization and pre-circumcision counseling on sexual behavior of circumcised men and to find out whether circumcised men have multiple sex partners. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was used to collect data in Kasese municipality on males aged 15-49 who were circumcised under SMC exercise. The study was both qualitative and quantitative, and Questionnaire and interview guides were used to collect data from respondents. A total of 279 respondents were sampled using systematic sampling and purposeful sampling. Uni-variate data was run using frequency and percentages and the results have been presented in form of frequency distribution tables. At bi-variate level, chi-square tests were used to determine the levels of association between the independent variables and the intervening (dependent) variables through cross tabulations. Results have been presented in tables, bar graphs and pie- charts. Results: Out of the 274 respondents; only 25% were able to tell the correct level of protection (60% protective) circumcision gives males against HIV transmission. Condom use by the respondents was at 40 percent, 23 percent of the respondents were not using condoms and 37 percent were not using condoms regularly during sexual intercourse. About number of sexual partners; 51 percent of the respondents had multiple sex partners. 16 percent did not have any sexual partner and 33 percent had only one sexual partner in the last 12 months. Conclusions: Majority of Circumcised men are engaging is risky sexual behavior by having multiple sex partners and non-consistent condom use during sexual intercourse. There is a wide information gap among circumcised males about the level of protection circumcision gives. This can make them involve in risky sexual behaviours. Recommendations The researcher recommends increased sensitization and strengthening pre-circumcision counseling on safe sex and HIV prevention. Availability of diverse forms of media and wide coverage of radio networks in the Kasese and the country at large should be utilized to increase mass sensitization on HIV prevention and safe sex.