AEGiS-14IAC: HIV Transmission and risk factors associated with circumcision among Bagishu community, Uganda.

14th International AIDS Conference


Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

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HIV Transmission and risk factors associated with circumcision among Bagishu community, Uganda.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. ThOrE1460)

Kataami KA, Akola AC
Joint Clinical Research Centre, Kampala, Uganda

BACKGROUND: The Bagishu is a tribe found in Mbale district in the Eastern region of Uganda. Traditionally, Bagishu boys ranging from 12 - 20 years are circumcised for initiation into manhood. During circumcision period (only even years) the major activity is dancing to traditional music and drinking alcohol, which incites the people to sex. Circumcision is done by a local "surgeon" using a traditional knife. In this era of AIDS the Bagishu risk contracting the AIDS virus through their circumcision practices.

METHODS: HIV/AIDS awareness seminars were conducted throughout Mbale district during the year 1997. A radio programme was set in the local language aimed at educating the local community in the district about HIV/AIDS. A health training programme for local "surgeons" was started in 1997 for which certificates were issued on completion of the training. A local "surgeon" is required to present his certificate to relatives of the "candidate" before he is allowed to circumcise.

RESULTS: Precaution measures against HIV transmission are highly observed during circumcision. Originally the culture did not allow one to be circumcised from hospital but now it is accepted practice. Boys, more especially from educated families go to hospital to be circumcised by medical personnel, who are knowledgeable about the HIV transmisssion risk involved with circumcision. Others who are not brave enough to stand the pain go to hospital to seek local anaesthesia before they are circumcised. During the year 2000, 14 out of 46 boys (30%) in Bubulo county were circumcised from hospital and in 1998, 8 out of 39 boys (21%) were circumcised from hospital.

CONCLUSION: HIV/AIDS awareness programmes should continue to improve on cultural practices that are likely to be a health risk.

Keywords: AEGIS, Risk Factors, Circumcision, HIV Infections, HIV Seropositivity, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV-1, Culture, Demography, Uganda, Male, transmission, surgeryKWDaegis,riskfactors,circumcision,hivinfections,hivseropositivity,acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome,hiv-1,culture,demography,uganda,male,transmission,surgery

020707
ThOrE1460

Copyright © 2002 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.