Male circumcision in the general population of Kisumu, Kenya: beliefs about protection, risk behaviors, HIV, and STIs
Westercamp, M.; Bailey, R.C.; Bukusi, E.A.; Montandon, M.; Kwena, Z.; Cohen, C.R.
Plos one 5(12): E15552
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 1932-6203 PMID: 21179493 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0015552Document Number: 221373
Using a population-based survey we examined the behaviors, beliefs, and HIV/HSV-2 serostatus of men and women in the traditionally non-circumcising community of Kisumu, Kenya prior to establishment of voluntary medical male circumcision services. A total of 749 men and 906 women participated. Circumcision status was not associated with HIV/HSV-2 infection nor increased high risk sexual behaviors. In males, preference for being or becoming circumcised was associated with inconsistent condom use and increased lifetime number of sexual partners. Preference for circumcision was increased with understanding that circumcised men are less likely to become infected with HIV.