Citation :

Tenderano Runyanga, Godfrey Mutara, "Unpacking The Intersection of Masculinity, Gender Roles and VMMC in Chirumhanzu District, Zimbabwe," International Journal of Nursing and Health Science, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 1-3, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/24547484/IJNHS-V12I2P101

Abstract

This study explored the intersection of masculinities, gender and Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) among men aged 18-49 years in Chirumhanzu District, Zimbabwe, where HIV is 11.0% nationally, and 14.5% in Chirumhanzu, yet VMMC uptake remains 35.0% against an 80.0% target. Using a pragmatism paradigm and explanatory sequential mixed methods design (QUAN → qual), inclusion was males aged 18-49 years (delimited from WHO 15-49 to allow independent adult consent, as 15-17 are minors requiring parental signed consent plus assent), uncircumcised, resident ≥6 months and willing. Ethical clearance was obtained from MRCZ, JREC and DMO-Chirumhanzu district, with independent written consent for all 18-49 adults. Quantitative data were collected via simple random sampling, N=80 (Cochran formula + FPC + 10% = minimum 54, achieved 80 = 100.0% response) and analyzed in SPSS v25 with percentages to 1 decimal point. Qualitative data were from purposive sampling of 20 participants in 6 FGDs (3-4 per group) until saturation, with a male moderator in private Shona sessions, analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s 6 steps and ensured through trustworthiness, not reliability. Results showed masculinity as contested at the intersection: 43.8% viewed VMMC as affirming masculinity through cleanliness and sexual performance, while 56.2% viewed it as undermining manhood through pain, loss of foreskin identity and shame with female providers. The gender intersection was evident as 85.0% reported VMMC affects women, with wives and girlfriends influencing decisions, while 82.5% discussed VMMC with peers, and 47.0% sought courage from peers, showing masculinity is negotiated relationally. Culture intersected strongly as 90.0% reported cultural barriers where traditional norms, chieftaincy and church teachings prohibit circumcision. Health system intersection emerged as a paradox of 100.0% access versus 90.0% dissatisfaction, with 43.8% citing target-driven rather than education-driven services, fear of mandatory HIV testing and lack of youth-friendly male providers. Young age (52.5% were 18-20 years), rurality (67.5% rural) and student status (60.0%) further intersected with masculinity and gender. The study concludes that VMMC is not an individual uptake issue but an intersectional negotiation where masculinities, gender, age, culture and health system quality intersect, producing a service that is available but not acceptable.

Keywords

Masculinity, VMMC, Gender roles, Intersection.

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