Implications of male circumcision for HIV prevention in Papua New Guinea: possibilities and challenges
Conference Contribution ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Following trials that showed male circumcision (MC) reduces the risk of heterosexual men acquiring HIV, MC is now recommended in comprehensive HIV prevention packages for populations with a heterosexual, generalised epidemic and where most men are not circumcised. The 'Acceptability of Male Circumcision for HIV Prevention in Papua New Guinea (PNG)' study is being undertaken to investigate the acceptability and feasibility of MC for HIV prevention in this South Pacific nation. Both men and women participated in structured questionnaires, individual interviews and/or focus group discussions about MC practices and the acceptability of MC for HIV prevention. Sites for this study included two universities, a mine site and an oil palm plantation. Possible implications of MC for HIV prevention were explored with both men and women. Participants reported a wide variety of traditional and contemporary penile cutting practices. Most non-circumcised men wishing to be circumcised reported a desire for medical personnel to perform the circumcision. Implications of MC reported by men included: possible increase in number of sexual partners and reduced use of condoms post circumcision. Women's concerns included: increasing the number of sexual partners for men (including outside of marital relationships) and decreased power to negotiate sexual encounters. The acceptability of MC for HIV prevention in these sample groups appears to be high. The impact of MC on men's condom use, possible sexual disinhibition and potential negative impacts reported by women need to be investigated in specific locations considering MC as a potential intervention to reduce HIV throughout PNG.
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8
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1743-6109
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1
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Glasgow, UK
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Wiley-Blackwelll
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