Socio-Cultural Factors Influencing Medical Circumcision of Males Performed Voluntarily Uptake in Turkana County
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Date
2024-01
Authors
Lokorio, Ekidor Ateyo
Mwanzo, Isaac
Ogweno, Gordon
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AJPO
Abstract
Purpose: Kenya is amongst six high-burden
nations in Africa grappling high HIV
infections. Approximately 91.2% of Kenyan
men have undergone circumcision. However,
male circumcision is not traditionally
practiced in Turkana community with male
circumcision rates ranging from 5-10%. The
study's sought to identify socio-cultural
factors Influencing Medical Circumcision of
Males Performed Voluntarily Uptake in
Turkana County.
Materials and Methods: Utilizing a
researcher-administered survey, KII
schedules, and a FGD guide, data was
gathered. 434 males made up the sample size.
An analytical cross-sectional methodology
was used in the investigation. The data was
analyzed with SPSS 22. Results showed that
of 374 male participants in the study, 79.9%
had undergone circumcision, 77.0% were
aged 18-35 years, 94.1% were Christians, and
44.7% were unemployed while 54.8% were
married. The overall mean scores of
responses for socio-cultural factors,
psychosocial factors, socio-economic
factors, and information sources factors were
3.230 (neutral), 3.602 (positive), 2.894
(negative) and 3.48 (neutral), respectively.
Findings: The study found that sociocultural factors was significant predictors of
embracing VMMC. Sociocultural factors
were about 0.30 times more likely to increase
uptake of VMMC [OR=0.301; 95% CI:
0.081-0.52, P=0.007].
Conclusion: The study recommends that
policies addressing main VMMC uptake
amongst men in Turkana County should
incorporate public participation, traditional
leaders and local administrators for societal
acceptance. There is need for effective
sensitization and advocacy for behavioral
change, mobilization and ownership of the
initiative by the community. Policies should
advocate for local leadership training.
Description
Article
Keywords
Socio-cultural Factors, Voluntary Male Circumcision, Turkana Count
Citation
Lokorio, E. A. ., Mwanzo, I. ., & Ogweno, G. . (2024). Socio-Cultural Factors Influencing Medical Circumcision of Males Performed Voluntarily Uptake in Turkana County. European Journal of Health Sciences, 10(1), 1 - 12. https://doi.org/10.47672/ejhs.1738