Youth Attitudes towards Voluntary Male Medical Circumcision and Their Implications for HIV and AIDS Reduction and Prevention: The Case of Hwange District in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This paper sought to establish youth attitudes towards voluntary male medical circumcision (VMMC) in Zimbabwe with reference to Hwange district. The descriptive survey design was adopted as it was found appropriate for the examination of attitudes. The research population comprised of about 500 youths found in Hwange, and a sample of 60 (N=60) youths was selected for the study. Simple random sampling technique was used in coming up with the sample. A questionnaire was used as the primary data collection instrument. The study revealed that the majority of the respondents (youths) had good knowledge on VMMC and that their attitudes towards the programme were positive. While the majority of the respondents indicated that VMMC was a positive tool for reducing HIV and AIDS, some were not sure and implied that some youths were not aware of the VMMC programme. The study concluded that the youth had mixed attitudes towards VMMC. Even though the majority of the respondents reported good knowledge on VMMC, some indicated ignorance about the existence of VMMC which had serious implications on HIV and AIDS management. The study mainly recommended that the practice of circumcision be adopted since it was proved to reduce the spread of HIV and AIDS. It further recommended that in order to achieve the intended results for the VMMC initiative, more campaigns should be done in Zimbabwean communities for the youth.