Health facility factors affecting the uptake of voluntary safe medical male circumcision among adults aged 15-49 years attending OPD at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71020/9a26hk38Keywords:
Health facility factors, voluntary safe medical male circumcision, skilled healthcare workers, VMMC uptakeAbstract
Background
The study aimed to determine the health facility factors affecting the uptake of voluntary safe medical male circumcision among adults aged 15-49 years attending OPD at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital.
Methodology
This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design to assess knowledge, sociodemographic, and health-facility factors affecting VMMC uptake among males aged 15-49 years at Mubende Regional Referral Hospital. A sample of 107 participants was randomly selected using a lottery technique. Data were collected via structured questionnaires, pre-tested at Mityana General Hospital, and translated into Luganda when needed. Data were analyzed in SPSS v24 using descriptive statistics. Ethical approval was secured, and participants provided informed consent, with privacy and confidentiality strictly observed.
Results
Over half of the respondents were unemployed (57, 53.3%), 34 (31.8%) were self-employed, and only 16 (15%) were decently employed. Among 107 respondents, 80 (75%) reported that the nearest VMMC facility was far from their homes, while only 11 (10%) said it was near. Most participants, 89 (83%), perceived the facility as clean and hygienic, whereas 18 (17%) disagreed. Nearly all respondents, 97 (90.7%), confirmed that VMMC services were provided by skilled healthcare workers, while 2 (1.9%) said no and 8 (7.5%) were unsure. However, 104 (97.2%) experienced long waiting times exceeding 30 minutes, with only 3 (2.8%) reporting short waits. Additionally, 79 (73.8%) described service hours as very inconvenient, compared to 28 (26.2%) who found them convenient. Regarding supplies, 70 (65.4%) reported they were always available, 9 (8.4%) often, 20 (18.7%) sometimes, and 8 (7.5%) rarely available.
Conclusion
Long distances, extended waiting times, and inconvenient service hours were key health-facility barriers limiting VMMC uptake.
Recommendation
Health facilities should extend service hours, reduce waiting times through appointment systems, expand mobile outreach, and maintain quality standards to improve VMMC uptake.
References
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Copyright (c) 2026 Arnold Kasiita, Perpetua Nabayigga, Francisco Ssemuwemba, Jane Frank Nalubega, Hasifa Nansereko, Immaculate Prosperia Naggulu, Jane Frank Nalubega
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