Page 121 - SAHCS HIVMed Journal Vol 20 No 1 2019

Page 3 of 6 Original Research

population regarding VMMC since its inception. For instance, estimated 4000 male students registered in 2015 as per the
there is still a strong belief in southern Africa that circumcision Department of Higher Education report. Each campus
decreases natural sexual ability. 5 was estimated to have the following number of male
students enrolled: Potchefstroom Centre for Information
Within the context of eastern and southern Africa, where Communication and Technology Studies (800), Jourbeton
HIV prevalence is high, mathematical modelling has shown Centre for Engineering Studies (1800), Klerksdorp Centre for
that circumcising 80.0% of males (aged 15–49) in five years Business Studies (1200) and Matlosana Campus (200). Hence,
can prevent approximately 3.4 million infections. There has a stratified random sampling method was found suitable,
been a belief that post VMMC, sexual behaviours, especially where each campus was stratified based on the number of
of males, can potentially reduce the expected benefits of the male students enrolled. The resultant sample size arrived at
practice. A demographic and health survey (DHS), done was 351 participants, which was increased with a buffer of
18
from 2010 to 2011 in Zimbabwe, found no association 15.0% to 400.
between MC status and risky sexual behaviour. Recent
17
studies conducted in Zimbabwe and Uganda provided Data collection instrument and pretesting
varied evidence that MC is sometimes viewed as a complete A self-administered questionnaire was used as a data
protection against HIV and STIs. Some observational
studies conducted in the field of VMMC have found that collection tool. The questionnaire comprised closed-ended
men who are circumcised are more likely to engage in risky questions. Questions were developed in English, as students
sexual behaviour than those who are uncircumcised. 15,17,20 In were in a higher institute of learning. Data were collected
Africa there is a strong belief that circumcision improves until a required sample reached. The data collection
sexual performance, especially among adults, and there is instrument comprised four sections, which included socio-
also a concern that this can increase the risk of HIV demographic characteristics, awareness of VMMC, sexual
transmission. Equally so, there is a strong believe that the behaviours and perception towards VMMC. Good and/or
perceptions that communities hold about VMMC can likely satisfactory awareness, perceptions and practices regarding
affect their sexual behaviours after undergoing the VMMC were determined through positive or preferred
procedure. 18,19 A study conducted among men in western responses to > 75% of the questions in the questionnaire as
Kenya revealed that most men felt that condoms are much indicated by the codes. The questionnaire was pretested
easier to use after VMMC as indicated by messages they got among 15 students from Springfield College, who do not
during circumcision. 21 form part of the study sample.

There is a very strong association between being circumcised Data collection process
and risky sexual behaviour; however, despite the association, After proper arrangements with the lecturers and college
men who are circumcised are less likely than those who are authority, students were approached in classes and briefed
uncircumcised to be HIV-positive; this clearly indicates about the study. Those selected to take part in the study
that the benefits of being circumcised outweigh the risk of were asked to remain in class to be informed more about the
22
predicted unwanted sexual behaviour. In a study done to study. Those who agreed to participate were asked to sign an
examine sexual behaviour change following circumcision informed consent form with detailed information about
among adult men in Siaya and Bond District hospitals in the purpose of the study and potential risks, such as being
western Kenya, a cohort of men who chose to be asked certain questions that they were comfortable to answer.
circumcised were matched with those who chose not to be Participants were therefore provided with the questionnaire
circumcised; in the three months of the study, risky sexual and instructions on how to complete it. After completion,
behaviour was reported among the circumcised cohort but questionnaires were collected by the researcher. The process
at the 12 months follow-up there were no significant took them 20–25 min.
differences in risky behaviour. This kind of study
1
demonstrates that if proper counselling is offered to men
on risk reduction, they are more likely not to engage in Validity and reliability
risky sexual behaviour following circumcision. The study The reliability of the data collection tool was enhanced by
aimed at determining the awareness, sexual behaviours conducting a pilot study among a few students. Sample size
and perceptions of college students in Dr. Kenneth Kaunda was increased by a marginal number to cater for non-
District in South Africa. responses and incomplete questionnaires. Questions were
carefully developed in such a way that they address the
Methods study objectives, hence ensuring the reliability of the data
Study population and sampling method collection tool. Questionnaires were checked by the
supervisor to ascertain if they are relevant to the study. To
Through the use of a cross-sectional design, a population ensure validity of the data collection instrument, questions
comprising male students between the ages of 18 and were structured using simple language that participants
49 years were registered at Vuselela College. There were understood. Questions were simple and explained clearly the

http://www.sajhivmed.org.za 114 Open Access