International Journal of Contemporary Microbiology
  • Year: 2016
  • Volume: 2
  • Issue: 2

A Socio-cultural and Religious Underpinnings and Sentiments Around Male Circumcision in the Context of the HIV Epidemic

1Assistant Professor (Medical Sociology), Subharti Medical College, Swami Vivekananda Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India

2Assistant Professor (Biostatistics), Subharti Medical College, Swami Vivekananda Subharti University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India

*Corresponding author: Dr. Sartaj Ahmad Assistant Professor (Medical Sociology), Subharti Medical College, Swami Vivekananda Subharti University, Meerut UP India Telephone: 09897093882

Online published on 15 October, 2016.

Abstract

In the Indian context male circumcision is strongly associated with specific religions and little is known about the socio-cultural and religious dimensions of this practice at the community level, the sensitivities attached to this practice, and its acceptance as a potential method of HIV infection prevention. Although male circumcision is recommended as an HIV prevention option, the religious, cultural and biomedical dimensions of its feasibility, acceptability and practice in India have not been explored till date. This study explores socio-cultural, beliefs, religion, complications and understanding of the community about adult male circumcision as an HIV prevention option in India.

Keywords

Male circumcision, Socio-cultural, religion, Complications, HIV prevention