Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the perceptions of people of Yao ethnic group towards economic incentives on voluntary male medical circumcision. Specifically, the study was aimed to establish HIV/AIDS interventions knowledge among Yao communities; examine responses to VMMC among Yao communities and; examine what Yao communities think and feel about usage of economic incentives in VMMC. The study, which was conducted in T /A Malemia in Zomba district of Eastern Malawi, used qualitative case study approach to gather and examine deep seated feelings of Yao communities about VMMC and the use of economic incentives to increase uptake of VMMC services. In-depth interviews and key informant interviews were used alongside secondary sources. Collected data was analysed manually in the context of social change theory called social-cultural linkages theory. The study found that Yao communities have knowledge about HIV/AIDS impact on individuals and communities and are aware of various interventions to reduce spread of HIV including the use of VMMC. Communities also expressed knowledge of the use of economic incentives to increase uptake of VMMC. However, despite all this knowledge there are still mixed feelings towards VMMC in general and use of economic incentives in particular. While study registering mixed feelings, the study recommends that external interventions aimed to influence social and behavioural change should adopt a participatory communications approach in the design and implementation so that social and cultural contexts of people are taken into consideration. This reduces resistance of an intervention.

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School	: School of Law, Economics and Government
Issued Date	: 2021

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