Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of young adolescents regarding traditional male circumcision: An investigation at Clarkebury High School, Eastern Cape Province.
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Date
2025-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Fort Hare
Abstract
Background
Traditional Male Circumcision (TMC) can be traced back to the 24th Century (2345 BC) through depictions on Egyptian tombs and is probably one of the oldest surgical procedures known (El-Hout & Khauli, 2007). Male circumcision is performed chiefly for religious, cultural, or prophylactic health reasons, with a global prevalence of 38.7% (Morris et al., 2016) and for that reason is culturally referred as initiation schools. The study aimed to explore grade eight male learners’ knowledge, attitude, and perceptions regarding traditional male circumcision.
Methodology
The study used a qualitative approach, an exploratory design, to explore the knowledge, attitude, and perceptions regarding traditional male circumcision among grade eight learners in Clarkebury High School in Engcobo, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Open-ended questions and focus group discussions were used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics have been presented.
Results and discussion
The findings of this study showed that most participants had positive attitude towards the traditional male circumcision. Only 33% participants were aware of the morbidity and mortality associated with traditional initiation schools. Most were aware of the stigma associated with a failed traditional initiation and medical male circumcision with 67%.
Conclusion
There are benefits of Traditional Male Circumcision. Lack of knowledge among the teenagers and the complications associated with the TMC is worth to look at by the relevant stakeholders in a form of School Health Promotion Programme.
Description
Masters dissertation
Keywords
Circumcision -- South Africa, Initiation rites -- South Africa, Teenagers -- South Africa
Citation
Salityi, T. (2025) Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of young adolescents regarding traditional male circumcision: An investigation at Clarkebury High School, Eastern Cape Province. Master of Public Health mini-dissertation. University of Fort Hare.