Page 193 - SAHCS HIVMed Journal Vol 20 No 1 2019

Page 3 of 6 Original Research

This method of data analysis was used to describe in detail Results
the views, opinions and feelings of respondents. Verbatim
accounts have been used in the presentation of the data, and A total of 12 informants were interviewed; however, the data
results compared with other similar studies so as to analysis could be performed on only 10 (Table 1).
contextualise the work.
All respondents were between 18 and 65 years of age, and
Research rigour had lived in the UK for more than 2 years. The various
geographical backgrounds of the cohort, ages and
An assessment of data trustworthiness was undertaken relationships were thought to provide a wide range of views,
throughout this study that focussed on credibility, opinions and perceptions. Results are presented thematically
transferability, conformability and dependability. 21 using verbatim reporting.

Credibility was ensured through establishing a conducive Knowledge of male immigrants about male
rapport with participants, while conformability was done by circumcision as an HIV prevention measure
evaluating interview questions to ensure that they were not To achieve this objective, respondents were asked what they
leading and closed-ended. Codes used for each participant
allowed for proper matching of each participant’s description. understood MC or MMC was, the benefits and views of the
relevance of MC or MMC in the prevention of HIV.
Dependability was ensured by careful listening to the
recorded responses to explain phrases that were used by the Meaning of male circumcision
participants and transferability was also achieved by eliciting All the 10 participants were able to define MC:
descriptions of findings, adequate sampling and achieving
data saturation. … my understanding of circumcision is the removal of the
foreskin from the penis of a man. That is my understanding …
(Key Informant 2, male, married)
Limitations … I believe it’s the cutting of the foreskin of the male penis …
Because this study targeted immigrants from southern and (Key Informant 3, male, married)
eastern Africa, the sampling was difficult, as it was not an
easily identifiable population. The researcher had to resort to Although all the 10 participants understood MC as removal
a snowball recruitment technique. Consequently, bias is of the foreskin from the penis, one respondent defined MC in
possible as the sampling may have captured a group of like- a cultural sense:
minded friends. The researcher attempted to limit bias by … circumcision I believe is what certain cultures undergo as a
recruiting respondents from different African countries. It is culture … (Key Informant 4, male, single)
acknowledged that bias may remain as peers may share the
same views or beliefs. The small number of participants is a Some respondents understood circumcision from a religious
further limitation as additional views and perceptions were point of view as one participant revealed:
excluded, that is, it is acknowledged that this study cannot … I mean am a Christian. Circumcision the way I see it was
represent the views of all citizens of east and southern Africa directed by God. Ok from the bible … … Genesis 18 verse 10 says
or of all African immigrants. However, the uniformity of the this is my covenant you shall keep between me and you and thy
results suggests that the study has captured some important seed after thee. Every male child among you shall be circumcised
themes. Relevant additional demographic data such as the … I don’t see any medical basis for it. It is just a religious thing …
grouping of participants’ age and response, educational (Key Informant 10, male, single)
(highest educational level achieved) and socio-economic
(employment) status were not included in the study, but may The findings show that participants viewed circumcision as
have influenced responses of the study members. being done for medical, cultural and religious purposes.

TABLE 1: Key informants’ demographics.
Ethical consideration Variable Frequency (N = 10) %
The Leeds Metropolitan University approved the conduct of Gender
the study and informed consent was obtained from eligible Male 10 100
participants. All ethical issues were addressed. Efforts were Marital status
made to build trust and rapport with participants during the Single 3 5 30
50
Married
interview process. Potential risks to the participants included In a relationship 2 20
breach of confidentiality, possible sensitivity of the Countries of origin
respondents to the research questions and a feeling of Zimbabwe 3 30
uneasiness towards the interviewer. To mitigate these risks, Malawi 1 10
the participants received as much information as possible South Africa 2 20
before the interviews, so that they decide whether or not to Kenya 2 20
participate in the study. Uganda 2 20

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