Mulaudzi, T. M.Mudau, A.Mbara, Fhatuwani Godfrey2026-06-302026-06-302026-05-19Mbara, F.G. 2026. Development of Guidelines to Strengthen the Relationship between Western and Indigenous Male Circumcision Practices in Limpopo Province of South Africa. . .https://univendspace.univen.ac.za/handle/11602/3323PhDPHDepartment of Public HealthThe World Health Organization enacted circumcision practice globally in 2007 secondary to the results of a randomized trial study done in 14 African countries, which confirmed 60% partial protection against Human Immunodeficiency Virus transmission. The World Health Organization projected a target of 80% circumcision rate by 2020. However, this target was not achieved globally, with South Africa at a 57% circumcision rate. The current dichotomy of Indigenous and Western circumcision practices has resulted in poor uptake of circumcision, leading to poor implementation of government programs for curbing the Human Immune Deficiency Virus epidemic. Thus, the main objective of this study is to develop context-specific, evidence-based guidelines that strengthen collaboration, mutual understanding, and integration between Western medical male circumcision and indigenous male circumcision practices in Limpopo Province, with the aim of improving safety, cultural acceptability, and uptake of male circumcision services. To have a thorough grasp of community perspectives and contributing factors, this study used a mixed methods approach to produce guidelines for the dual utilisation of Western and Indigenous male circumcision techniques in Limpopo Province. In this current study, qualitative information was acquired through focus groups and in-depth interviews with parents, young men, healthcare professionals, indigenous healers, and community leaders. In addition, a survey questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. The findings of the study shows that there exist some negative perceptions about Western male circumcision who believe that it encroaches on the cultural norms that should be strongly preserved. Furthermore, the study shows that there is still a high stigma associated with those who are uncircumcised or circumcised outside the indigenous norms. It was further highlighted that the cost and hygienic factors are becoming more critical when selecting the method of circumcision. This provided nuanced insights into cultural beliefs, social pressures, and health concerns influencing circumcision choices. Quantitative surveys complemented these findings, capturing demographic and statistical information on circumcision uptake, preferences, and perceptions. Using the Precede-Proceed model for developing guidelines for public health interventions, integrating the study findings allowed for a robust analysis of cultural and health-related factors impacting male circumcision in Limpopo Province. The current study findings highlight a complex interplay of cultural traditions, healthcare access, and community education as determinants in circumcision choices. Low uptake of male circumcision was often attributed to a lack of trust in medical facilities, misinformation, and a preference for indigenous methods rooted in cultural identity. Based on these findings, a SWOT analysis model was employed to develop practical guidelines promoting collaboration between indigenous leaders and healthcare providers, aiming to bridge the cultural and medical aspects of circumcision. These guidelines provide a framework for improving communication, enhancing community education, and ensuring safer practices, offering a model for integrating indigenous and western healthcare practices in culturally diverse settings.1 online resource (xvi, 189 leaves): color illustrationsenUniversity of VendaMale CircumcisionUCTDWestern PracticesIndigenous PracticesUptakeThesisMbara FG. Development of Guidelines to Strengthen the Relationship between Western and Indigenous Male Circumcision Practices in Limpopo Province of South Africa. []. , 2026 [cited yyyy month dd]. Available from:Mbara, F. G. (2026). <i>Development of Guidelines to Strengthen the Relationship between Western and Indigenous Male Circumcision Practices in Limpopo Province of South Africa</i>. (). . Retrieved fromMbara, Fhatuwani Godfrey. <i>"Development of Guidelines to Strengthen the Relationship between Western and Indigenous Male Circumcision Practices in Limpopo Province of South Africa."</i> ., , 2026.TY - Thesis AU - Mbara, Fhatuwani Godfrey AB - The World Health Organization enacted circumcision practice globally in 2007 secondary to the results of a randomized trial study done in 14 African countries, which confirmed 60% partial protection against Human Immunodeficiency Virus transmission. The World Health Organization projected a target of 80% circumcision rate by 2020. However, this target was not achieved globally, with South Africa at a 57% circumcision rate. The current dichotomy of Indigenous and Western circumcision practices has resulted in poor uptake of circumcision, leading to poor implementation of government programs for curbing the Human Immune Deficiency Virus epidemic. Thus, the main objective of this study is to develop context-specific, evidence-based guidelines that strengthen collaboration, mutual understanding, and integration between Western medical male circumcision and indigenous male circumcision practices in Limpopo Province, with the aim of improving safety, cultural acceptability, and uptake of male circumcision services. To have a thorough grasp of community perspectives and contributing factors, this study used a mixed methods approach to produce guidelines for the dual utilisation of Western and Indigenous male circumcision techniques in Limpopo Province. In this current study, qualitative information was acquired through focus groups and in-depth interviews with parents, young men, healthcare professionals, indigenous healers, and community leaders. In addition, a survey questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data. The findings of the study shows that there exist some negative perceptions about Western male circumcision who believe that it encroaches on the cultural norms that should be strongly preserved. Furthermore, the study shows that there is still a high stigma associated with those who are uncircumcised or circumcised outside the indigenous norms. It was further highlighted that the cost and hygienic factors are becoming more critical when selecting the method of circumcision. This provided nuanced insights into cultural beliefs, social pressures, and health concerns influencing circumcision choices. Quantitative surveys complemented these findings, capturing demographic and statistical information on circumcision uptake, preferences, and perceptions. Using the Precede-Proceed model for developing guidelines for public health interventions, integrating the study findings allowed for a robust analysis of cultural and health-related factors impacting male circumcision in Limpopo Province. The current study findings highlight a complex interplay of cultural traditions, healthcare access, and community education as determinants in circumcision choices. Low uptake of male circumcision was often attributed to a lack of trust in medical facilities, misinformation, and a preference for indigenous methods rooted in cultural identity. Based on these findings, a SWOT analysis model was employed to develop practical guidelines promoting collaboration between indigenous leaders and healthcare providers, aiming to bridge the cultural and medical aspects of circumcision. These guidelines provide a framework for improving communication, enhancing community education, and ensuring safer practices, offering a model for integrating indigenous and western healthcare practices in culturally diverse settings. DA - 2026-05-19 DB - ResearchSpace DP - Univen KW - Male Circumcision KW - Western Practices KW - Indigenous Practices KW - Uptake LK - https://univendspace.univen.ac.za PY - 2026 T1 - Development of Guidelines to Strengthen the Relationship between Western and Indigenous Male Circumcision Practices in Limpopo Province of South Africa TI - Development of Guidelines to Strengthen the Relationship between Western and Indigenous Male Circumcision Practices in Limpopo Province of South Africa UR - ER -