Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision uptake: a concept analysis.

Abstract

Background: Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) uptake is important in the
prevention of female to male HIV transmission by 60%. Despite VMMC awareness activities,
globally, regionally and locally VMMC uptake remains low. The term VMMC uptake remains
without a classic standard definition resulting in different views about the concept. The objective
of the article was to define the term uptake in relation to Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision as
well as to clarify and assist to come up with standard measurement tool for the concept uptake.
Method: This concept paper used Walker & Avant Model of concept analysis (2005).
Results: Attributes of VMMC uptake includes: volunteering to get circumcised, getting
circumcised, the cost of the procedure, HIV status, knowledge of voluntary medical male
circumcision, positive health staff attitudes, in pain, acquiring prescription for analgesia, wound
care and abstinence from sex. The proposed definition of VMMC uptake is the willingness to get circumcised in large numbers without coercion when men and boys have adequate knowledge
about Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision. The definition will assist in the development of
standardised measurement tool to monitor VMMC uptake.
Conclusion: The definition of VMMC uptake will facilitate harmonization of voluntary medical
male circumcision activities and enhancing clearer understanding of the concept.