Does circumcision influence risky sexual behaviour among circumcised sexually active men in Zambia? Evidence from the 2013-14 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey

Chabila C. Mapoma, University of Zambia
Bupe B. Bwalya, Mulungushi University

Low circumcision and high rates of heterosexual acquired HIV infections are among factors that have “influenced” Zambia to adopt Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC). This study aimed at investigating whether circumcision influences risky sexual behaviour among circumcised men in Zambia and the extent to which socio-economic and demographic characteristics influence such behaviour. Data came from the 2013–14 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey. Logistic regressions were used in the analysis. Evidence from this study suggests that men who are circumcised are also having two or more extra non-cohabiting sexual partners. The same group of circumcised men is also not using condoms consistently with non-cohabiting sexual partners. To some degree, circumcision maybe the reason why they think they can have two or more sexual partners as well as undermine or completely ignore the message of correct and consistent condom use.