Knowledge, Attitude and Practice around the ShangRing Method of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision in Preventing of HIV among Community Members in Homabay County, Kenya

Background: Safe medical male circumcision (SMC) is associated with a 60% reduction in heterosexual HIV transmission. Two SMC methods are commonly used: the conventional dorsal slit and the ShangRing method. To achieve 80% SMC coverage by 2025, an estimated 20 million circumcisions are required. Despite ShangRing’s potential, community remains uncertain. This study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to the ShangRing method for HIV prevention among community members in Homa Bay County, Kenya. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 422 males aged 15–49 years from four health facilities in Homa Bay County: Suba North Sub County Hospital, Ndhiwa Sub County Hospital, Adiedo Health Centre, and Ober Level IV Health Center. Participants were selected using purposive and simple random sampling. Data was collected using structured questionnaires, interview guides, and focus group discussions. Additionally, 19 key informants from the Ministry of Health’s VMMC program and implementing partners were interviewed. Results: The community is generally knowledgeable with 52.9% of the participants answering correctly. Informal channels, including 56.3% of respondents who cited parents or relatives as primary information sources, were the most common information source. Misinformation about the method was observed, with 52.9% disagreeing that ShngRing circumcision reduces HIV risk and 90.5% disagreeing that circumcised men cannot contract HIV. Regarding attitudes, 53.5% disagreed that ShangRing circumcision improves sexual pleasure, and 61.9% disagreed that it eliminates the need for condoms, indicating negative beliefs about its benefits. However, 50.1% appreciated attending initiation and educational sessions with peers. Peer involvement was identified as a factor enhancing acceptance of the method. Conclusions: The study revealed that informal information sources contribute to widespread misconceptions about the ShangRing method. There was doubt about its role in enhancing sexual pleasure and reducing the need for condoms. However, peer-based education was identified as an avenue to increase acceptability. Targeted health communication, increased community sensitization, and engagement with traditional leaders are recommended to reduce misinformation and promote safe circumcision practices.