Stanzia Moyo

Men's attitudes: A hindrance to the demand for voluntary medical male circumcision--a qualitative study in rural Mhondoro-Ngezi, Zimbabwe.

Male circumcision has witnessed a paradigm shift from being regarded as a religious and cultural practice to a global intervention strategy meant to curb transmission of HIV. This is particularly evident in sub-Saharan African countries where the HIV prevalence is greater than 15%. Zimbabwe adopted the voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) strategy in 2009; however, since then the uptake of the intervention has only 10% of the adult male population has reported having been circumcised. To better understand this limited uptake of VMMC, we conducted a qualitative study with uncircumcised men aged 15–79 years in Mhondoro-Ngezi, Zimbabwe. Through assessing mens attitudes towards VMMC in seven focus group discussions, conducted between July and August 2012, this article seeks to provide improved strategies for delivering this intervention in Zimbabwe. These data reveal that, in general, men have a negative attitude towards VMMC. Specific barriers to the uptake of VMMC included the perceived challenge to masculinity, post-circumcision stigma, lack of reliable and adequate information and perceptions about the appropriateness of VMMC. These results suggest that structural interventions aimed at reducing stigma related to circumcision, in addition to increased efforts to disseminate accurate information about VMMC, are required in order to dispel mens attitudes that hinder demand for VMMC.

Factors affecting the use of male-oriented contraceptives: a case study of the Mukarati community Zimbabwe.

The subject of male sexuality has long been shrouded by silence and secrecy in Zimbabwe. As such where contraceptive uptake has featured as part of social studies inquiry it has tended to do so in the context of a development discourse that focused exclusively on the experiences of women. Marshaling evidence from the survey key informant interviews and focus-group discussions (FGDs) this study unearthed factors underlying the uptake of male-oriented contraceptives from mens perspectives. This was done through an exploration of mens knowledge attitudes beliefs and practices pertaining to male-oriented contraceptives and an assessment of the availability accessibility acceptability and affordability of male-oriented contraceptives. The results indicated that despite the fact that men are knowledgeable about male-oriented contraceptives such knowledge is not being translated into practice. Social construction of masculinity is the primary encumbering block to the uptake of male-oriented contraceptives. In addition unavailability and unaffordability of vasectomy services in the Mukarati community results in no men opting for the method. The study has thus recommended that the government and other relevant stakeholders may formulate policies that promote information education and communication pertaining to male-oriented contraceptives in order to foster the utilization of contraceptives by men.

Risk factors of HIV infection among farm workers at Rattray Arnold Research Farm in Goromonzi district, Zimbabwe: a qualitative study

Notwithstanding the generally declining levels of HIV in Zimbabwe, HIV prevalence remains exceedingly high in commercial farms. Risky sexual practices underpinned by poverty, unreliable supply of condoms and lack of entertainment are the major underlying factors facilitating the spread of HIV. We carried out a qualitative study among farm workers at Rattray Arnold Research Farm in Goromonzi district in Zimbabwe to establish the prevalence of HIV, factors underlying HIV transmission among the farm workers and the impact of HIV and AIDS on the farm. Six focus group discussions and five key informant interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data. The study established that misconceptions about the modes of transmission are still pervasive among participants. Contrary to widespread knowledge about HIV and AIDS, high risk sexual behaviours and low condom use are still major concerns. Lack of health services at the farm — compounded by respondents’ negative attitudes towards use of condoms — also exacerbates exposure to HIV infections. Reports from the Home-based Care Officer revealed that HIV prevalence at the farm is estimated at about 42%. Further, morbidity and mortality due to HIV have profound effects on the daily activities at the farm. The study recommends that health services must be availed at the farm in addition to providing information, education and communication so as to foster positive behaviour change, while dispelling myths associated with HIV modes of transmission and preventive strategies.