Knowledge and Attitudes of Circumcision among Adult Male Clients Receiving Care in a Teaching Hospital in Kigali City, Rwanda

Surgical male circumcision is one of the oldest and most frequently performed surgical procedures in the world. It reduces the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV infection by around 60%. Knowledge and Attitudes toward male circumcision are still a concern in Rwanda as male circumcision is not traditionally widespread in the country. This study assessed the knowledge and attitudes of male clients attending RMH regarding circumcision. A cross-sectional study design was used. Participants were 355 adult males and data was collected during 10 days. A structured questionnaire was used. Descriptive and analytical statistics were computed and OR, p values were presented in tables. The participants were sufficiently knowledgeable at 79.4% (n=282) and had positive attitudes at 57.7% (n=205) towards medical male circumcision(MMC). Private sector employees, method used for MMC, positive attitude, and proof of manhood were associated with knowledge with COR=0.291, (CI=0.095-0.891), p-value 0.031; COR=1.872, (CI=1.076-3.258], p-value 0.026; COR=0.492, (CI=0.255-0.767), p-value 0.004; COR=2.336, (CI=1.329-4.107) p-value 0.003 respectively. Community encouragement and knowledge were associated with attitude COR=1.680, (CI=1.025-2.753), p-value 0.040; COR=0.413, (CI=0.245-0.696), p-value 0.001 respectively. Knowledge of male circumcision was sufficient and attitudes were positive. Generally, participants were highly motivated and knowledgeable about MMS.