The Influence of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision on HIV Related Risk Behaviours and Perceptions among Young Women (18-24yrs) in Manyatta "A" Sub-Location, Kisumu City, Kenya

Abstract

Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) reduces risk of HIV acquisition in heterosexual relationships. Kenya adopted VMMC as an HIV prevention strategy in 2008 and has been making significant progress towards achievement of its circumcision targets. In Kenya, Nyanza region with the highest HIV prevalence and lowest male circumcision prevalence has been the focus of VMMC activities. The focus of research around VMMC and VMMC associated activities such as HIV education and counseling about the partial protection of VMMC have only targeted men. It remains largely unclear if VMMC has any influence on mv related risk behaviours and perceptions amongst women and in particular young women (18-24yrs) from the informal settlements who, due to various factors, are susceptible to risky sexual behaviours. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence ofVMMC on HIV related risk behaviours and perceptions among young women aged18- 24yrs in Manyatta "A" sub-Location, Kisumu City. The specific objectives were to, determine the level of awareness of VMMC as an HIV prevention strategy among young women (18-24 yrs) in Manyatta "A" sub-Location; establish behaviours and perceptions that reduce HIV prevalence among young women aged 18-24yrs women in Manyatta 'A' sub-Location; and, find out the extent of women (l8-24yrs) involvement in VMMC activities in Manyatta 'A' sub-Location. The study employed a cross sectional descriptive study design. The study targeted young women (18-24 yrs) living in Manyatta "A" sub-Location, Kisumu East constituency, Kisumu City. Snowball technique was used to sample 384 respondents. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using household questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data quantitatively in the form of percentages and frequencies while qualitative data was coded and analyzed along the key thematic issues informed by the study objectives. The findings indicated 72.7% did not have the factual knowledge on the importance of VMMC to women. On behaviours that reduce HIV on women, 70.4% of respondents indicated that condom use even with circumcised men was a strategy that reduces HIV infection risk. 63.9% of respondents indicated that continued involvement in other prevention programs could reduce HIV . infection in women in view of partial protection of VMMC. On the extent of women involvement in VMMC as HIV prevention strategy 52.3% of respondents indicated that they attend counseling sessions with their partners to help them deal with fear and masculine pride. The study concludes that there is enough awareness about VMMC. The message content of VMMC however is not detailed and therefore targeted audience does not have factual information about VMMC. Condom use and involvement in other prevention programs such as sexually transmitted infection screening and treatment for both men and women were behaviours identified by the respondents as reducing HIV infection risk. The study recommended that government and other stakeholders should formulate a policy that would ensure that factual information of VMMC reaches the targeted audience through electronic media such as radio and television which was preferred by the respondents