Associations Between Early Circumcision, Sexual and Protective Practices, and HIV Among a National Sample of Male Adults in Eswatini.

To reduce HIV incidence in countries such as Eswatini (Swaziland), UNAIDS has recommended male circumcision as one possible effective strategy. We analyzed the 2016s Swaziland HIV Incidence Measurement Survey to explore the association between early circumcision and HIV history among 2964 sexually active adult males aged 15 to 64 years old. Early circumcision was defined as circumcision practiced at an age of 15 years old or younger. Results from logistic regression and OLS regression found that male adults with early circumcision are more likely to have multiple sexual partners and to use condoms. Multiple partners and condom use at last sex encounter remained associated with a higher odds of being HIV positive after controlling for all factors. Nevertheless, early circumcision is significantly associated with a lower odds of being HIV positive (AOR 0.53, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that HIV prevention may benefit when early male circumcision is carried out.