An Assessment of the Role of Radio Campaign on Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Uptake in Kisumu West Sub-county: a Case Study of “miya Ngima” Campaign on Ramogi Fm

Abstract

This study aimed at assessing the role of radio campaign on Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision uptake in Kisumu West Sub-County. The specific objectives were to establish the knowledge level, perceptions and attitudes of the young male on the Miya Ngima spot campaign; to establish the efficacy of Miya Ngima spot campaign on the uptake of VMMC in Kisumu West sub County; and to assess the challenges facing the adoption of VMMC in Kisumu West Sub-County. This study employed a mixed method approach and theoretical framework was Limited Effect theory and social cognitive theory. This study used a stratified random sampling technique to select the respondents. The sample size was 368, out of which 336 responses were obtained. Quantitative data was generated through questionnaires while qualitative data was generated through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The study used thematic and content analysis to analyze qualitative data and the findings were presented in a prose form. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. And software package called statistical package for the social science (SPSS version 21) was used to help capture and tabulate information from the questionnaires. Research findings showed that the campaign Miya Ngima aired on Ramogi radio about Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision was fully understood by most youths in Kisumu West Sub-County. The study also found that the program had widened Luo men knowledge about the spread of HIV/AIDS and especially among uncircumcised men and enabled men to undergo the exercise. Further, the message communicated about male circumcision and its benefit to the society and exposed the risks accompanied by failure to get circumcised. The study also established that the Luo community was not practicing traditional male circumcision and the community members had the perception that the process was painful and led to medical complications. The study revealed that Miya Ngima spot campaign had helped to change the negative perception about VMMC and also towards the service. The study further established that through Miya Ngima spot campaign, many Luo men had availed themselves for VMMC to lower the risk of HIV infection. In conclusion, the Miya Ngima spot campaign had played a significant role in the voluntary medical male circumcision uptake in Kisumu West Sub-County. The study therefore recommends that the campaign should be a continuous event so as to ensure more people are reached by the message. The study also recommends that several channels of communication should be used in the campaign. This should include use of opinion leads and elders, chief barazas, use of social media and use of television. The study further recommends that the campaign should also target women to encourage their husbands to undergo the VMMC. The study recommends that the government of Kenya as well as non-governmental organizations should ensure that resources in the facilities in terms of skilled healthcare professionals and equipment are available.