A review on male circumcision procedures among South African blacks

Abstract

In this article, the authors attempted to review all available literature which shed light on various aspects of male circumcision in South Africa and world wide. However, the main aim of the authors was to highlight the health problems associated with traditional circumcision which is widely practised by tribal groupings in the country in general and by Xhosas and Sothos in particular. The background of the problem is primarily focused in the Eastern Cape Province which is predominantly Xhosa speaking and touches on limited interventions by health professionals to limit the health hazards which accompany traditional circumcision rites. Health problems encountered during circumcision are gleaned from literature and dealt with extensively in the article. Significantly, the authors also attempted to point out the benefits that may be obtained from medical intervention in circumcision rites from a cultural perspective. The recommendations regarding the performance of male circumcision are highlighted. These were made by health workers, consumers and political parties. Finally, the authors highlighted the needs for research and practice of community health nursing.