Perceived Risk and Severity of the Uptake of Safe Male Circumcision Services among Young Men Aged 15-24 Years in Rhino Camp Refugees Settlement, Arua District- Uganda.

Abstract

Background

Safe male circumcision is a proven cost-effective intervention in reducing the risk of sexual transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus /Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome among heterosexual individuals by 60%. This study aimed at exploring the perceived risk and severity to the uptake of safe male circumcision among young men aged 15–24 years in Rhino Camp Refugees Settlement, Arua District, Uganda. Methods

This was a cross-sectional study among 378 respondents, which utilized both quantitative and qualitative approaches with a semi-structured and three focus group discussions conducted among young men aged 15–24 years. Univariate analysis was used to determine the uptake of safe male circumcision. Chi-square test and binary regression model were used to determine the odds ratio at 95% confidence levels of safe male circumcision uptake and other exposure variables. Results from the focus group discussions were analysed thematically. Results

The prevalence of safe male circumcision uptake was 42.1%. The major factor associated with increased likelihood of safe male circumcision uptake was the perceived benefit of cervical cancer prevention in my partner (AOR = 2.455, 95% CI = 1.278–3.627). Factors associated with reduced likelihood safe male circumcision uptake included: fear of perceived increased risk of meatitis (AOR = 0.726, 95% CI = 0.338- .959), fear that undergoing safe male circumcision is very painful and uncomfortable (AOR = 0.742, 95%, CI = 0.279–1.973). Also, the perception that safe make circumcision is not affordable at most private health facilities (AOR = 0.167, 95%, CI = 0.058–0.478). Conclusions

Safe make circumcision uptake in Rhino Refugees Settlement is lower than Uganda’s national target of 80%. This is attributed to the perceived risks such as perceived risk of infection, pain, irritability, and costs involved. Awareness creation on myths and misconceptions is key to increasing up take of safe make circumcision.