Knowledge, attitude and perception of university students regarding Medical Male Circumcision at the University of Venda, South Africa

Abstract

Background: There is convincing evidence that Medical Male Circumcision is associated with a reduced risk of contracting the Human Immune-Deficiency Virus and other heterosexual infections and diseases. However, the rate of MMC is fluctuating, and studies have indicated that this is due to knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of individuals towards Medical Male Circumcision. Aim: The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of the University of Venda students regarding medical male circumcision. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. The population of this study were all university students (both females and males) residing in the University of Venda campus as of January 2020, where a sample of 327 students was drawn systematically from residential halls. Slovin’s formula was used to determine the sample size. The systematic random sampling was used to select rooms from which respondents were chosen. A self-administered questionnaire was provided in English without translation. It comprised of four sections, namely, demography, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding Medical Male Circumcision. The face validity was ensured by the supervisor, and the experts in MMC were consulted to review the questionnaire in which some comments were raised in terms of language and terminology. To ensure the reliability of the questionnaire, the statistical product and service solution Cronbach’s Alpha method was employed wherein items on the Likert scale variables were selected and analysed for internal consistent of the tool. The researcher conducted a pre-test among 60 (18% of the sample of the main study) off campus students who are not part of the study however they share similar characteristics. The sample was made up of 28 males and 32 females students. Descriptive statistics using the statistical product and services solutions version 25.0 were used to analyze the collected data. Descriptive statistics of the demographic characteristics, and scores for the level of knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions regarding MMC were presented. Chi square tests and cross tabulation were used to determine the associations between knowledge, attitudes and practices reading MMC and the socio-demographic characteristics of respondents. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Throughout the study the principles of ethical considerations which include permission to carry out the study, anonymity, privacy and informed consent was ensured. Results: The study findings showed that majority of respondents generally have average knowledge and negative attitudes and misperceptions regarding MMC, hence the need for more education regarding MMC in order to change behaviour towards MMC. Conclusion and Recommendations: Overall, the knowledge regarding MMC was average particularly its potential to reduce the risk of HIV infection, Sexual Transmitted Infection and enhance penile hygiene exists, with many displaying poor or lack of knowledge on circumcision. Given that information obtained from this study provides insight on knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards MMC at University of Venda. Despite the average knowledge regarding MMC which might have resulted in negative attitude and misperceptions, it was further noted that barriers to effective implementation still exist and these barriers include the fear of pain associated with the procedure, the fear of complications. However, findings from this study would be useful to health policy makers in the design of health education programs to improve the MMC program in tertiary institutions.