The Feasibility and Acceptability of Male Circumcision Among Men, Women and Health Providers of the Altagracia Province, Dominican Republic

The current study sought to evaluate the feasibility of male circumcision (MC), which has been shown to reduce female-to-male HIV transmission, in Altagracia province. It also sought to qualitatively assess the knowledge and acceptability of MC among men, women, and health care providers.

Researchers administered two surveys to providers. One assessed their knowledge and experience of MC; the other, a "Healthy Facility Profile," included an inventory of clinics' available surgical supplies. To evaluate the acceptability of MC, 14 focus groups were held.

A total of 43 providers were interviewed at 37 clinics. Respondents ranged in age from 23 to 55; median age was 33. Ninety-one percent were government-employed physicians. While only 23 percent had experience with MC, 95 percent were aware that MC has health benefits. All respondents agreed that MC improves hygiene; 67 percent knew it decreases the risk of HIV infection. Only six of the clinics provided HIV counseling and testing; the majority lacked adequate surgical settings and supplies. In the qualitative study, most of the women and about half the men showed acceptance of MC.

"Men, women, and providers in the Dominican Republic may be accepting of MC," the authors concluded. "Education about the benefits of the procedure is needed in the community."

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