Assessment of the protective effect of male circumcision from HIV infection and sexually transmitted diseases: evidence from 18 demographic and health surveys in sub-Saharan Africa.
A cross-sectional study based on the secondary data of 18 Demographic Health Surveys carried out in Sub-Saharan Africa was conducted to assess the protective effect of male circumcision from HIV infection and STDs. Information on 70,554 males aged 15-59 years was extracted. The association between circumcision and HIV infection and STD symptoms (Genital discharge or ulcer/sore) was assessed using logistic regression. Un-circumcision was significantly associated with risk of HIV with odds ratio of 4.12 (95%CI: 3.85-4.42). The association was even more significant, 4.95 (95%CI: 4.57-5.36), after adjustment was made for number lifetime sexual partners and socio-demographic variables. The risk associated with un-circumcision is significantly lower among younger men aged 15-29 years than older age categories. However, circumcision found to have no association with the symptoms of STDs. The study concluded that male circumcision can be considered as a way of reducing the spread of HIV infection.
Hawassa University, P.O. Box 12485, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. samsongmgs@yahoo.com
Samson
S
Gebremedhin
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017954:Africa South of the Sahara / Q000453:epidemiology; D002944:Circumcision, Male; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003710:Demography; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012306:Risk; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission