Potential for an intervention based on male circumcision in a South African town with high levels of HIV infection.

The study aims to investigate the potential for an intervention based on male circumcision in a South African town with a high level of HIV infection. It draws on two cross-sectional studies conducted in August 2000 among a sample of 606 male adults aged 13-59 years, and in August 1999 among a sample of 723 male youth aged 14-24 years. A qualitative study was further conducted on perceptions and attitudes towards male circumcision using focus group discussions and in-depth interview. Among men aged 25-59 years, 36% reported being circumcised. The median reported age at circumcision was 20. A total of 42% of 14-24-year-old circumcised men reported having been circumcised in a medical setting. Circumcised and uncircumcised men did not differ in their sexual behaviour or in sociodemographic characteristics, apart from their age and ethnic group. Among 467 uncircumcised adult men, 59% said that they would be circumcised if circumcision reduced the chances of getting HIV and STDs. Focus group discussions showe...