Prevalence and factors associated with knowledge of and willingness for male circumcision in rural Zimbabwe

Objective To explore male circumcision (MC) prevalence, knowledge, attitudes and intentions among rural Zimbabweans. Methods Representative survey of 18-44 year olds in two provinces, as part of an evaluation of the Zimbabwe National Behaviour Change Programme. We conducted univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses. Linear regression was employed to predict knowledge of MC (composite index) and logistic regression to predict knowledge that MC prevents HIV, willingness (oneself or one's partner) to undergo MC, and willingness to have son circumcised. Results Two thousand seven hundred and forty-six individuals participated in the survey (87% of eligibles). About two-thirds were women (64%). Twenty per cent of men reported being circumcised, while 17% of women reported having a circumcised partner. Knowledge of MC and its health benefits was low. Attitudes towards MC were relatively positive. If it could prevent HIV, 52% of men reported that they would undergo MC and 58% of women indicated that they would like their partners to be circumcised. Seventy-five per cent of men who reported being HIV positive were willing to undergo MC, against 52% of those who reported HIV negative status. Reported acceptability of neonatal circumcision was high with 58% of men and 60% of women reporting that they would have their sons circumcised if it protected them against HIV. Fear of adverse effects was highlighted as a barrier to MC acceptability. Conclusion More knowledge about MC's health benefits positively affects people's attitudes towards MC. The relatively high MC acceptability suggests an enabling environment for the scale-up programme. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.