Abstract:

Background: The Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) was recommended as part of HIV prevention strategy after the randomized controlled trials conducted in three African countries including South Africa, Kenya and Uganda. Sub-Saharan Africa is more affected by HIV. The ABC (Abstinence, being faithful and condom use) messages seemed not to reduce HIV, hence adding more HIV prevention strategies is recommended. Since VMMC had proven to reduce HIV transmission, the knowledge of people in this matter is paramount.

Aims: This study was designated to evaluate the knowledge and acceptability of VMMC among 51 second years medical students.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among second years medical students in 2016, both boys and girls were enrolled in the study.

Results: The results showed that all medical students have good to excellent knowledge of MC; 33% have good knowledge, 49% very good knowledge and 18% excellent knowledge of MC. All participants (100%) accepted to promote MC as part of HIV prevention strategy.

Conclusion: The knowledge of the second years medical students was good to excellent, making it easy for MC promotion for HIV prevention.

Keywords: Circumcision, HIV, prevention, Medical students, Windhoek, Namibia.

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