Women's attitudes towards male circumcision for HIV prevention in turkana, Kenya

BACKGROUND: In the past decade multiple epidemiological and clinical research studies have confirmed the relationship between male circumcision (MC) and HIV risk reduction. MC is now considered to be a pillar of HIV prevention, and rollouts of MC programs are proceeding in sub-Saharan Africa. However, it is postulated that groups who do not historically circumcise may resist adoption, thereby delaying or inhibiting the large-scale HIV incidence reduction that is possible with high levels of MC coverage. METHODS: Through in-depth interviews and focus groups with married women in the Turkana region of northern Kenya, this research explores the feasibility of introducing voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) programs in this region among a group that not only lacks traditional circumcision practices, but is often defined in Kenya by its lack of circumcision practice. RESULTS: By examining the attitudes and beliefs surrounding circumcision in Turkana among women, we gained insights into how VMMC programs can be successful in this region and others without a recent history of MC. In-depth interviews provided programmatically relevant information regarding the complex barriers and facilitators of MC adoption in Turkana. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to include the perspectives of women when rolling out VMMC programs in order to promote widespread MC coverage.