Sociodemographic factors affecting the uptake of voluntary safe medical male circumcision among adults aged 15-49 years attending the OPD at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71020/gtaave86Keywords:
male circumcision, sociodemographic factors, marital status, religion, cultural beliefs, household income, employment statusAbstract
Background:
The study aimed to assess the sociodemographic factors affecting the uptake of voluntary safe medical male circumcision among adults aged 15-49 years attending the OPD at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among adult males aged 15-49 years at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital OPD. Using a sample of 107, participants were selected via simple random sampling with a lottery method. Data were collected with structured, closed-ended questionnaires, translated into Luganda when necessary, and piloted at Mityana General Hospital. Data were entered into Excel and analyzed using SPSS v24, with results summarized as frequencies and percentages. Ethical approval, informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation were ensured throughout the study.
Results:
The sociodemographic characteristics of the 107 respondents revealed that the majority, 76 (71%), were aged 36-49 years, while 31 (29%) were aged 15-35 years. Most were married (62, 58%) and had completed primary education or below (84, 78.5%), with only a small proportion attaining secondary or tertiary education. Almost all respondents were Christian (105, 98.1%), with very few adhering to traditional beliefs (2, 1.9%) or Islam (2, 1.9%). Employment status showed that over half were unemployed (57, 53.3%), 34 (31.8%) were self-employed, and only 16 (15%) were decently employed. Household income was low for most respondents (69, 64.5%), while only 17 (15.9%) earned high income. Additionally, 55 (52%) reported that their cultural beliefs did not support VMMC.
Conclusion:
Lower education levels, older age, marriage status, cultural non-support, and low income were key sociodemographic barriers limiting VMMC uptake.
Recommendation:
VMMC programs should engage cultural and religious leaders, tailor messages to older men, and provide financial or transport support to reduce cultural and economic barriers to uptake.
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