Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2025
12:34
Collection, Isolation, and Flow Cytometric Analysis of Human Endocervical Samples
Published on: July 6, 2014
19.3K
Changing relationships between HIV prevalence and circumcision in Lesotho
Michel Garenne1,2,3
1MRC/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Journal of Biosocial Science
|April 4, 2022
Summary
Circumcision
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) campaigns aimed to reduce HIV transmission in Lesotho.
- Pre-epidemic, male circumcision was a traditional custom; VMMC increased its prevalence post-2008.
- HIV prevalence remained stable despite rising circumcision rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolving relationship between male circumcision and HIV prevalence in Lesotho.
- To assess the impact of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) on HIV rates.
- To examine confounding factors influencing the circumcision-HIV association.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data from 2004, 2009, and 2014.
- Calculation of relative risks (RR) and confidence intervals (CI) for HIV prevalence by circumcision status.
- Multivariate regression controlling for socioeconomic and behavioral variables.
Main Results:
- In 2004, circumcised men had higher HIV prevalence (RR=1.49); this reversed by 2014 (RR=0.86).
- Education interacted with circumcision, with educated men showing decreased HIV risk over time.
- Multivariate analysis found no significant net effect of circumcision on HIV, but a small VMMC effect possibly linked to condom use.
Conclusions:
- The association between male circumcision and HIV in Lesotho is complex and has changed over time.
- Education and condom use appear to be significant factors modifying the relationship.
- The study questions the cost-effectiveness of large-scale Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) programs in this context.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:10Retrovirus Life Cycles
47.2K
Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the...
47.2K
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
437
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
437
01:29Close Relationships and Culture
15
Culture shapes how people approach attraction, choose partners, and build long-term relationships. While some preferences in mate selection appear consistent across cultures, such as men valuing physical attractiveness and women emphasizing financial resources, cultural contexts influence how these preferences are expressed and prioritized. Marriage extends beyond romantic ideals in many societies and is deeply embedded in social, economic, and religious frameworks.The Role of Culture in Mate...
15
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
12.5K
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
12.5K
01:08Prevalence and Incidence
878
In statistical epidemiology and health sciences, two essential metrics—prevalence and incidence—are fundamental for understanding disease dynamics within a population. These measures enable public health officials, epidemiologists, and researchers to assess the burden of diseases, allocate resources effectively, and design impactful public health policies and interventions.
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health...
878
02:12Relationship Formation
41.5K
What do you think is the single most influential factor in determining with whom you become friends and whom you form romantic relationships? You might be surprised to learn that the answer is simple: the people with whom you have the most contact. This most important factor is proximity. You are more likely to be friends with people you have regular contact with. For example, there are decades of research that shows that you are more likely to become friends with people who live in your dorm,...
41.5K