Acceptability of male circumcision for HIV prevention among Mexican migrant men

To explore cultural factors that influence the acceptability of male circumcision as a strategy for HIV prevention in migrant communities in Mexico.Qualitative in-depth interviews with 20 men, 5 female partners of male migrants, and 5 health professionals in two rural communities in Michoacan.Although male immigrants would accept circumcision if recommended by a doctor, they know almost nothing about what the procedure involves, which generates fear and distrust. As a result, there is considerable distance between theoretically accepting the practice and actually becoming circumcised. Medical staff also expressed ambivalence about promoting male circumcision in rural communities in light of little knowledge about its effectiveness and concerns about informed consent.Based on the experiences of our interviewees, currently there are no cultural interpretations that would effectively facilitate the promotion of male circumcision for the prevention of HIV.