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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
Authors: Gebremedhin S
Source: African Journal of Reproductive Health, 14(2):105-13
Topic(s): Circumcision
HIV/AIDS
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Country: Africa
  Multiple African Countries
Published: JUN 2010
Abstract: 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.