Evaluation and Adverse Event Surveillance for Initial Implementation of ShangRing Circumcision in Mozambique

Program Evaluation and Active Adverse Event Surveillance for Initial Implementation of WHO Prequalified ShangRing™ Circumcision in Mozambique

This is a single-arm interventional study of 1000 male circumcision procedures using the ShangRing device. The primary objective of the study is to enhance understanding of the potential clinical and operational challenges and opportunities that may be associated with widespread use of ShangRing™ device for circumcision in different settings in Mozambique. Specific objectives are: 1) To monitor the proportion of men who choose circumcision through the WHO-prequalified, FDA-approved ShangRing™ device in routine voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) service delivery settings where standard surgical methods of circumcisions are available; and 2) To ensure safety during initial implementation of the ShangRing™ device and confirm that adverse event rates are comparable to those found during implementation in other sub-Saharan countries.

This is a single-arm interventional study of 1000 male circumcision procedures using the ShangRing device. The primary objective of the study is to enhance understanding of the potential clinical and operational challenges and opportunities that may be associated with widespread use of ShangRing™ device for circumcision in different settings in Mozambique. Specific objectives are:

1. To monitor the proportion of men who choose circumcision through the WHO-prequalified, FDA-approved ShangRing™ device in routine voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) service delivery settings where standard surgical methods of circumcisions are available; and
2. To ensure safety during initial implementation of the ShangRing™ device and confirm that adverse event rates are comparable to those found during implementation in other sub-Saharan countries.

Population: 1000 males aged 13 years and above who are seeking male circumcision; 3 clinic sites

Duration: Approximately 3 months of recruitment, 60 days follow-up per participant; total duration expected to be approximately 6 months in the field.

Sample size: Cumulative target of 1000 ShangRing™ procedures, based on guidance contained in the WHO Framework for clinical evaluation of devices for male circumcision. The WHO TAG on Innovations in Male Circumcision recommends active follow-up of the first 1000 clients when a new device is introduced into a program or as a new program is implemented.

Data analysis plan: Baseline demographic and behavioral characteristics of ShangRing™ clients will be summarized using counts and percentages. Association between these variables and selected outcome variables (e.g. AEs, failure to return for device removal, preference for Shang Ring) will be examined through cross tabulations and tests of association (e.g. Chi square statistics).

Data quality assurance: Data quality control efforts will include members of the national VMMC Technical Working Group, including local ShangRing™ Trainers of Trainers, conducting scheduled site assessments/monitoring as follows: Prior to the start of the active surveillance (site initiation) using site assessment checklist; and every month using a VMMC quality assessment checklist. There will be regular monthly supervision visits to the facilities to ensure proper record filing and storage of physical forms. Data will be entered into an electronic system by trained data personnel at the facility level. This data will be reviewed actively and regularly through the central database on a periodic basis. The PI, lead local investigator and co-investigators will regularly monitor and evaluate data for completeness and specifically to monitor for any adverse events that may preclude or terminate the study early. The electronic system will be monitored regularly and by limited access of study personnel.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male, 13 years old and above
2. Agrees to return to the facility where circumcision procedure is done for device removal on day 7 and to have home or off-site visits if deemed necessary by the ShangRing™ providers
3. Is able and willing to provide a valid physical address of residence and at least one alternate address (address of employer, school, or friend/relative) for tracing
4. Is able and willing to provide a valid primary phone number and at least one alternate phone number (phone number of friend/relative) and agrees to be contacted via that alternate number and person. This will facilitate telephone-based follow-up should he not return for the scheduled post-removal follow-up visits.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Males below 13 years of age
2. Males for whom the correct fitting size of ShangRing™ Device is not available
3. Anatomical abnormalities including adhesions
4. Cognitive impairment
5. Any health condition (reported or observed) that ShangRing™ providers deem a contraindication to the procedure. These may include history of diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, cancer, bleeding disorders, and/or current moderate or severe infectious illness
6. HIV - positive (although may still undergo surgical circumcision)
7. Anatomical variations and anomalies of genitalia
8. Hypospadias, epispadias, or other urethral anomaly
9. Hydrocele
10. Scrotal hernia
11. Other genital anomaly or disease including infectious or traumatic ulcers
12. Dermatitis of the penis or foreskin
13. Genital warts
14. Urethral discharge
15. Balanitis