An Implementation Science Study Investigating Profiles of Men Interested in MMC

An Implementation Science Study Investigating Profiles of Men Interested in Medical Male Circumcision (MMC), Barriers and Methods to Increase the Uptake of MMC Among Older Men in South Africa

There are both supply and demand gaps in our understanding of how best to implement MMC services. In terms of supply of MMC services, there is a need to better understand what the best way is of efficiently accessing mature men(25-49 years old) . The investigators also want to understand the type of service delivery approach and environment that would make mature men(25-49 years old) feel more comfortable when attending an MMC clinic. Demand of MMC requires identifying messaging that works to address mature men's (25-49 years old) issues so that they might be willing to undergo MMC. To further advance HIV prevention and advocacy of male circumcision the investigators also need to consider the perspectives of women on what approach MMC messaging should take. A combination of male and female viewpoints could inform MMC outreach messaging where IEC materials are tailored to address the barriers to MMC. Identifying the specific barriers to MMC among males and including the perspectives

Part I (Formative Period) Given these issues, in addition to establishing a baseline estimate of the ages and risk behaviours of males currently undergoing MMC at the Aurum clinic over a six month period, we include a qualitative research component. We conducted research in 2014 to establish a baseline estimate of the ages and risk behaviours of males undergoing MMC at the Aurum clinic over a six month period. The baseline estimate (Ethics reference number M130711) will be referred to as the formative Part I. The formative Part I includes a quantitative and qualitative research component. The qualitative component will include both genders and be used to develop MMC recruitment messaging tailored to mature men(25-49 years old) . Men will provide their opinion on circumcision and on what type of marketing message they feel will encourage mature men (25-49 years old) to be circumcised. Women will also provide their perspectives on male circumcision and what messaging could be used to encourage their partners or male family members to be circumcised. During this study, we explored if women have a role in promoting male circumcision to their partners, family and the community. These qualitative findings will be used to develop interventions to increase the ratio of men (25-49 years old) mature, or at least of higher risk men, undergoing MMC at the clinic. These interventions and the outcomes related to them will be presented as an amendment to this protocol after the baseline and qualitative data are collected and analysed.

Part II (Intervention Period) Findings from the formative period will be used to develop interventions to increase the ratio of men (25-49 years)mature, or at least of higher risk men, undergoing MMC at the clinic. During this proposed intervention period we would like to evaluate the effectiveness of those interventions and the outcomes related to them. These proposed interventions will directly address the barriers to MMC that challenge uptake of MMC among mature men (25-49 years). Additionally, epidemiologic research will be conducted among men attending our MMC clinic to evaluate whether mature men (25-49 years) exhibit, as is presumed, higher risk profiles for HIV. We will also explore the cost-effectiveness of this strategy.

Inclusion Criteria for Cross Sectional Component Inclusion Criteria:

All males who meet the following criteria will be eligible for inclusion:

• Are aged 18 years or older (no upper age limit)
• Have never been completely medically circumcised (as opposed to partial circumcision)
• Willing and able to give their written informed consent so that the information collected during the clinic visit can be analysed for research purposes.

Inclusion Criteria Qualitative Component for males

All males who meet the following criteria will be eligible for inclusion:

• Present at Aurum's male circumcision clinic during the cross sectional component or men who indicate no interest in medical male circumcision
• Are between the ages of 25 and 49 inclusive
• Are not circumcised at the time of the interview as assessed through visual examination
• Is willing and able to provide written informed consent.
• Willing for the qualitative session to be tape recorded

Inclusion Criteria for Qualitative Component for females Women who meet the following criteria will be eligible for inclusion

• Are 18 and above (no upper age limit)
• Has a partner who is participating in the cross sectional component, is not in a relationship but lives in the vicinity of Ekurhuleni North district or is part of a women's organization within the community where the clinic is located
• Is willing and able to provide written informed consent
• Willing for the qualitative session to be tape recorded

Inclusion Criteria Part II (Intervention Period) Inclusion Criteria for the "Exclusive Intervention Strategy" Men who meet the following criteria will be eligible for inclusion in the intervention period

• Are between the ages 25 and 49 years inclusive
• Has never been medically circumcised
• Is willing and able to provide written informed consent

Inclusion Criteria for the "Active Follow-up Intervention" Men who meet the following criteria will be eligible for inclusion

• Are between the ages 25 and 49 years inclusive
• Has never been medically circumcised
• Is willing and able to provide written informed consent
• Has contra-indication/s to MMC on the day of presentation for MMC
• Is willing to provide contact information for retention

Exclusion Criteria for all Aims:

• Men who are unable to communicate sufficiently (in English or local languages) to complete medical forms and/or research questionnaires for the cross sectional component.
• Men and women who do not in the opinion of staff obtaining consent have the capacity to provide written informed consent will be excluded from the research.