The Social Construction of Male Circumcision Among Peri-Urban Circumcised Men in Zambia: A Phenomenological Study

Background: Zambia has been battling the spread of HIV/AIDS using different interventions such as abstinence campaigns, messages of being faithful to one faithful partner, correct and consistent condom use. The Zambian government endorsed Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) as an additional biomedical strategy for preventing HIV/AIDS and reducing the risk of cervical cancer in women. Circumcised men attach different meanings and cultural values to their circumcision status. In Zambia much research has been done on Male Circumcision (MC) and most of these studies have focused on knowledge, perceptions, acceptability and barriers to access MC services in general and research is yet to profile the meaning of circumcision and the cultural values attached to it by circumcised men. Methods: This was a qualitative study with an Interpretive Phenomenological research design. Data were collected using in-depth interviews from 20 circumcised men who were living in Gondwe Township at the time of study, who were 18 years and above. Participants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling methods. Interviews were audio recorded. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis method was used for data analysis. Results: The study found that male circumcision carries health, social and cultural meaning and is understood primarily as a symbol of hygiene and a complimentary method of HIV prevention and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Additionally, male circumcision is a cultural practice that signifies a transition from boyhood to manhood among the circumcising ethnic groups in Zambia. MC also acts as an agent of socialization which teaches young boys the responsibilities; prepare them for sex, marriage, parenthood, respect for different people, a way to earn respect, promotion of division of labour and formation of social structures in society. The study further showed that the important factors influencing men to opt for circumcision were hygiene and cleanliness, protection from HIV and STIs, sexual pleasure, prevention of penile and cervical cancer, influence from peers, spousal/partners, parents and other family members. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that male circumcision has health, social and cultural meaning to the circumcised men and they viewed it as a method of maintaining hygiene and a complimentary method of HIV prevention and other STIs. It is also viewed as a cultural practice which signifies manhood among the circumcising ethnic groups in Zambia. However, based on the findings of this study, possible implications for the circumcision practice include attaining masculinity, protection and prevention of diseases, maintaining hygiene and cleanliness, socialization and earning respect in society.