Evaluating Safe Traditional Circumcision in South Africa
Author Information
Author(s): Peltzer Karl, Nqeketo Ayanda, Petros George, Kanta Xola
Primary Institution: Health Systems Research Unit, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
Hypothesis
Can training traditional surgeons and nurses improve the safety of traditional male circumcision in the Eastern Cape, South Africa?
Conclusion
The study found weak support for scaling up traditional male circumcision due to high rates of complications.
Supporting Evidence
- 20.8% of initiates had mild delayed wound healing after circumcision.
- 16.2% experienced mild wound infections.
- Only 12% were circumcised before their sexual debut.
- Most traditional surgeons wore gloves, but many did not use the recommended instruments.
Takeaway
This study looked at how to make traditional circumcision safer for boys in South Africa, but many still had problems after the procedure.
Methodology
A pre-post training intervention assessment involving physical examinations and interviews of initiates at initiation schools.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported data from initiates regarding their experiences and complications.
Limitations
The training duration for traditional surgeons and nurses may not have been sufficient to ensure safe practices.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of initiates was 18.7 years, with 16.9% below 18 years; mean education was 8.1 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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