Factors associated with uptake of male circumcision: Evidence from the 2015 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey

Abstract

Male circumcision (MC) is on the increase in some parts of Africa. It has been associated with multiple health benefits. Randomised control trials have shown that MC reduces the risks of HIV infection in men.  Zimbabwe adopted male circumcision as one of its HIV prevention strategies in 2009. This study examined the socio-demographic determinants of MC in Zimbabwe using secondary data from the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2015. We used self-reported data extracted from the 2015 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, with a sample of 8 396 males aged 15-54 years, from the males’ file. Descriptive and chi-square test statistics, as well as binary regression, were employed in the analysis. The findings showed that the majority of males in the sample (84.2%) were not circumcised. We found no significant association between type of place of residence and wealth with male circumcision. Education, province, religion, marital status, age and knowledge about circumcision all had an influence on male circumcision status as well as ever tested for HIV in the Zimbabwean context. The results from the study indicated that concerted efforts are required to make more men see circumcision as a necessity and they should perceive themselves as at risk from HIV, hence they should take circumcision as a preventative strategy.