1
|
Jindai K, Farley T, Awori Q, Temu AS, Ndenzako F, Samuelson J. Systematic review: Safety of surgical male circumcision in context of HIV prevention public health programmes. Gates Open Res 2023; 6:164. [PMID: 37089877 PMCID: PMC10115943 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13730.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Since the recommendation of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) to reduce the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV, a number of adolescent boys and men in 15 priority countries in Africa have been circumcised. Our primary goal was to identify the incidence of adverse events (AEs) associated with VMMC and to assess the safety profile among adolescent boys 10 - 14 years. Methods: We searched the databases MEDLINE and Embase, WHO, and conference abstracts from 2005 to 2019. The incidence of AEs was estimated by type of AE, size of study and age. Results: We retained 40 studies. Severe and moderate AEs overall were estimated at 0.30 per 100 VMMC clients with wide variability per study type. A higher rate was noted in small and moderate scale programmes and device method research studies compared with larger scale programmes. There was a limited number of studies reporting AEs among younger adolescent boys and they had higher infection-related AEs than those aged 20 years and older. Case studies noted rare AEs such as necrotizing fasciitis, tetanus, and glans injury. Conclusions: AE rates were comparable to those from the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that led to recommendations and implementation of VMMC in high HIV burden countries, despite being implemented in low resource settings. Clients over time have increasingly included adolescents under the age of 15 years. Studies suggest potentially higher risks in this age group. As VMMC services are sustained, patient safety surveillance systems and promoting a patient safety culture are crucial to identify and mitigate potential harms from medical male circumcision.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuaki Jindai
- Department of Virology, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Healthcare Epidemiology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Fabian Ndenzako
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jindai K, Farley T, Awori Q, Temu AS, Ndenzako F, Samuelson J. Systematic review: Safety of surgical male circumcision in context of HIV prevention public health programmes. Gates Open Res 2022; 6:164. [PMID: 37089877 PMCID: PMC10115943 DOI: 10.12688/gatesopenres.13730.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Since the recommendation of voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) to reduce the risk of heterosexually acquired HIV, a number of adolescent boys and men in 15 priority countries in Africa have been circumcised. Our primary goal was to identify the incidence of adverse events (AEs) associated with VMMC and to assess the safety profile among adolescent boys 10 - 14 years. Methods: We searched the databases MEDLINE and Embase, WHO, and conference abstracts from 2005 to 2019. The incidence of AEs was estimated by type of AE, size of study and age. Results: We retained 40 studies. Severe and moderate AEs overall were estimated at 0.30 per 100 VMMC clients with wide variability per study type. A higher rate was noted in small and moderate scale programmes and device method research studies compared with larger scale programmes. There was a limited number of studies reporting AEs among younger adolescent boys and they had higher infection-related AEs than those aged 20 years and older. Case studies noted rare AEs such as necrotizing fasciitis, tetanus, and glans injury. Conclusions: AE rates were comparable to those from the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that led to recommendations and implementation of VMMC in high HIV burden countries, despite being implemented in low resource settings. Clients over time have increasingly included adolescents under the age of 15 years. Studies suggest potentially higher risks in this age group. As VMMC services are sustained, patient safety surveillance systems and promoting a patient safety culture are crucial to identify and mitigate potential harms from medical male circumcision.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kazuaki Jindai
- Department of Virology, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Healthcare Epidemiology, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Fabian Ndenzako
- World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, Brazzaville, Congo
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Key challenges to voluntary medical male circumcision uptake in traditionally circumcising settings of Machinga district in Malawi. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1957. [PMID: 34711179 PMCID: PMC8555288 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11979-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is becoming more popular as an important HIV prevention strategy. Malawi, with a high HIV and AIDS prevalence rate of 8.8% and a low male circumcision prevalence rate of 28% in 2016, is one of the priority countries recommended for VMMC scale-up. This paper investigates the attitudes and key challenges to VMMC adoption in a traditionally circumcising community in Malawi where male circumcision is culturally significant. METHODS A mixed design study using quantitative and qualitative data collection methods was carried out to determine the attitudes of 262 randomly selected males towards VMMC in a culturally circumcising community in Malawi. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used to analyse the quantitative data. To identify predictors of VMMC uptake, we used logistic regression analysis. To identify the themes, qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. RESULTS The findings indicate that, while more males in this community prefer medical circumcision, traditional circumcision is still practised. Panic (63%) perceived surgical complications (31%), and cost (27%) in accessing VMMC services were some of the barriers to VMMC uptake. Age and culture were found to be statistically significant predictors of voluntary medical male circumcision in the logistic analysis. According to qualitative data analysis, the key challenges to VMMC uptake were the involvement of female health workers in the circumcision team and the incentives provided to traditional circumcisers. CONCLUSION According to the findings of this study, VMMC services should be provided in a culturally competent manner that respects and considers existing cultural beliefs and practices in the community. Coordination between local leaders and health workers should be encouraged so that VMMC services are provided in traditional settings, allowing for safe outcomes, and increasing VMMC uptake.
Collapse
|
4
|
Davis SM, Baker H, Gross JM, Leslie SL, Chasokela CMZ, Samuelson J, Toledo C. The Role of Nurses and Midwives in Expanding and Sustaining Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Services for HIV Prevention: A Systematic and Policy Review. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2021; 32:3-28. [PMID: 33298685 PMCID: PMC9295017 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Male circumcision reduces men's risk of acquiring HIV through heterosexual sex, and voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is central to HIV prevention strategies in 15 sub-Saharan African countries. Nurses have emerged as primary VMMC providers; however, barriers remain to institutionalizing nurse-led VMMC. Patient safety concerns have hindered task sharing, and regulations governing nurse-performed VMMC are not always supportive or clear. We performed a systematic review on VMMC safety by provider cadre and a desk review of national policies governing the VMMC roles of nurses and midwives. Also, VMMC by nurses is safe and has become standard practice. Countries had multiple policy combinations among different documents, with only one disallowing VMMC by these cadres. Countries with alignment between policies often ensured that nursing workforces were equipped with clinical competencies through national certification. Regulatory clarity and formalized certification for nurse-performed VMMC can increase program sustainability and build nursing capacity to meet other critical basic surgical needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M. Davis
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Helen Baker
- Lillian Carter Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jessica M. Gross
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sharon L. Leslie
- Woodruff Health Sciences Center Library, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Julia Samuelson
- Department of HIV, Hepatitis, and STIs, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Carlos Toledo
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Center for Global Health, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Feldacker C, Murenje V, Makunike-Chikwinya B, Hove J, Munyaradzi T, Marongwe P, Balachandra S, Mandisarisa J, Holec M, Xaba S, Sidile-Chitimbire V, Tshimanga M, Barnhart S. Balancing competing priorities: Quantity versus quality within a routine, voluntary medical male circumcision program operating at scale in Zimbabwe. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240425. [PMID: 33048977 PMCID: PMC7553309 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since 2013, the ZAZIC consortium supported the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) to implement a high quality, integrated voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) program in 13 districts. With the aim of significantly lowering global HIV rates, prevention programs like VMMC make every effort to achieve ambitious targets at an increasingly reduced cost. This has the potential to threaten VMMC program quality. Two measures of program quality are follow-up and adverse event (AE) rates. To inform further VMMC program improvement, ZAZIC conducted a quality assurance (QA) activity to assess if pressure to do more with less influenced program quality. Methods Key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted at 9 sites with 7 site-based VMMC program officers and 9 ZAZIC roving team members. Confidentiality was ensured to encourage candid conversation on adherence to VMMC standards, methods to increase productivity, challenges to target achievement, and suggestions for program modification. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using Atlas.ti 6. Results VMMC teams work long hours in diverse community settings to reach ambitious targets. Rotating, large teams of trained VMMC providers ensures meeting demand. Service providers prioritize VMMC safety procedures and implement additional QA measures to prevent AEs among all clients, especially minors. However, KIs noted three areas where pressure for increased numbers of clients diminished adherence to VMMC safety standards. For pre- and post-operative counselling, MC teams may combine individual and group sessions to reach more people, potentially reducing client understanding of critical wound care instructions. Second, key infection control practices may be compromised (handwashing, scrubbing techniques, and preoperative client preparation) to speed MC procedures. Lastly, pressure for client numbers may reduce prioritization of patient follow-up, while client-perceived stigma may reduce care-seeking. Although AEs appear well managed, delays in AE identification and lack of consistent AE reporting compromise program quality. Conclusion In pursuit of ambitious targets, healthcare workers may compromise quality of MC services. Although risk to patients may appear minimal, careful consideration of the realities and risks of ambitious target setting by donors, ministries, and implementing partners could help to ensure that client safety and program quality is consistently prioritized over productivity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caryl Feldacker
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Vernon Murenje
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Joseph Hove
- Zimbabwe Association of Church-related Hospitals (ZACH), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Tinashe Munyaradzi
- Zimbabwe Community Health Intervention Project (ZICHIRE), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Phiona Marongwe
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Shirish Balachandra
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV & TB, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - John Mandisarisa
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV & TB, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Marrianne Holec
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | | | | | - Mufuta Tshimanga
- Zimbabwe Community Health Intervention Project (ZICHIRE), Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Scott Barnhart
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Carrasco MA, Rosen JG, Maile L, Manda R, Amzel A, Kiggundu V. Medically, Traditionally, and Dually Circumcised Men in Lesotho: Population-Based Measurements of HIV/STI Infections, Sexual Risk Behaviors, and Service Use Patterns. AIDS Behav 2020; 24:2112-2118. [PMID: 31927757 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-019-02776-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is an HIV prevention priority in Lesotho, but uptake remains suboptimal. We analyzed the 2014 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey to assess population-level social, behavioral, and serological correlates of circumcision status, specifically traditional and/or medical circumcision. Among 2931 men, approximately half were traditionally circumcised, and fewer than 25% were medically circumcised. Only 4% were dually (traditionally and medically) circumcised. In multivariate analysis, only medical circumcision emerged as significantly (p < 0.05) protective against HIV infection, whereas dual circumcision was significantly associated with past-year STI symptomology. Younger (ages 15-24), lower educated, rural-dwelling, and traditionally circumcised men, including those who never tested for HIV, had significantly lower odds of medical circumcision. Our findings indicate other unmeasured behavioral factors may mitigate VMMC's protective effect against HIV and STI infections in dually circumcised men. Further research can help identify counseling and demand creation strategies for traditionally circumcised men presenting for VMMC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Carrasco
- Office of HIV/AIDS, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA.
- , Arlington, USA.
| | - Joseph G Rosen
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Limpho Maile
- Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Lesotho, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Robert Manda
- United States Agency for International Development, Maseru, Lesotho
| | - Anouk Amzel
- Office of HIV/AIDS, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Valerian Kiggundu
- Office of HIV/AIDS, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
| |
Collapse
|