Health care service providers experiences, understanding and conceptions of voluntary medical male circumcision in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Abstract

BackgroundThere is compelling evidence that voluntary medical male circumcision reduces the chances of heterosexual transmission of HIV infection. Health care workers are among the key influencers in terms of scale up of VMMC as they are often involved in mobilization for uptake. Adequate knowledge and competence are essential to ensuring that the delivery of VMMC services is line with the recommended comprehensive package of HIV prevention services.\n\nAimThe aim of this study was to analyse health care service providers conceptions, experiences and understanding of VMMC in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.\n\nMethodsThe study employed a qualitative approach using a phenomenographic design. Ethical clearance to conduct the study was obtained from the University of KwaZulu-Natals Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (BE627/18).Data were collected from a purposive sample of 15 health care worker who were doctors, nurses and clinical associates working in six different rural clinics in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Individual in-depth interviews were used collect data guided by a semi-structured interview schedule. An audiotape was used to record the interviews, which were then transcribed verbatim, and analysed thematically.\n\nResultsCategories of description in healthcare providers experiences, conceptions and understanding of voluntary medical male circumcision emerged. The findings of this study revealed that health care workers conceptions, experiences and understanding of VMMC were influenced by stereotypical cultural, religious and traditional beliefs. The challenges of implementing VMMC were shortage of staff and poor training of health care workers on VMMC.\n\nConclusionTailored messaging targeting health care workers misconceptions and poor understanding of VMMC in necessary. In addition, resource allocation for training and infrastructure could significantly improve the quality of VMMC services and uptake thereof.