Acceptability of neonatal circumcision among mothers: A case study of Hatcliff and Rutsanana clinic

Abstract

The acceptability of neonatal circumcision among mothers at Rutsanana and Hatcliffe clinics in Harare. Background Male Circumcision is regarded as part of an integrated response to HIV prevention. Zimbabwe has not started implementing neonatal male circumcision. The purpose of this study was to identify factors that may facilitate or hinder the acceptance of neonatal circumcision. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out on 258 pregnant and mothers of newly born babies at Harare City Health department clinics, Rutsanana and Hatcliffe clinics. Data was collected using face to face interviews and group discussions. Data was analyzed using Stat version 12. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analysis and the chi square test were used to determine the independent association between each variable. Results: There was a significant association between acceptance of neonatal circumcision and knowledge levels. Those with adequate knowledge levels were more likely to accept neonatal male circumcision (OR=2.04, 95% CI; 1.10-3.80), and this was statistical significant, p=0.025. Women with circumcised partners were more likely to have circumcised sons, OR=5.27, 95% CI (2.02 – 13.71) and this was statistically significant, p=0.001 Conclusions All participants thought that the male circumcision for infants and young boys was the best above the age of one with 25% agreeing that they favored the policy of within the first 8 weeks after delivery. The respondents were aware of the benefits of neonatal male circumcision as an HIV prevention strategy though they deferred the decision to circumcise their new born to a later stage.