EVALUATION OF A SAFER MALE CIRCUMCISION TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR TRADITIONAL SURGEONS AND NURSES IN THE EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA

Authors

  • Karl Peltzer
  • Ayanda Nqeketo
  • George Petros
  • Xola Kanta

Keywords:

Evaluation, training programme, safer male circumcision, knowledge, attitudes, traditional surgeons, traditional nurses, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

Training designed to improve circumcision knowledge, attitude and practice was delivered over 5 days to 34 traditional surgeons and 49 traditional nurses in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Training included the following topics: initiation rites; statutory regulation of traditional male circumcision and initiation into Manhood (TCIM); structure and function of the male sex organs; procedure of safe circumcision, infection control; sexually transmitted infections (STIs); HIV/AIDS; infection control measures; aftercare of the initiate including after care of the circumcision wound and initiate as a whole; detection and early management of common complications of circumcision; nutrition and fluid management; code of conduct and ethics; and sexual health education. The evaluation of the training consisted of a prospective assessment of knowledge and attitude immediately prior to and after training. Significant improvement in knowledge and/or attitudes was observed in legal aspects, STI, HIV and environmental aspects, attitudes in terms of improved collaboration with biomedical health care providers, normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology, sexually transmitted infections and including HIV, circumcision practice and aftercare of initiates. We concluded that safer circumcision training can be successfully delivered to traditional surgeons and nurses.

Author Biographies

Karl Peltzer

Social Aspects of HIV/AIDS and Health, Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa & Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

Ayanda Nqeketo

bHuman Sciences Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa.

George Petros

cImpilo ya Bantu Health, Lusikisiki, South Africa

Xola Kanta

Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa

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Published

2008-05-12

How to Cite

Peltzer, K., Nqeketo, A., Petros, G., & Kanta, X. (2008). EVALUATION OF A SAFER MALE CIRCUMCISION TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR TRADITIONAL SURGEONS AND NURSES IN THE EASTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA. African Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines, 5(4), 346–354. Retrieved from https://journals.athmsi.org/index.php/ajtcam/article/view/438

Issue

Section

Research Papers

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