Factors influencing non-compliance with standards for medical male circumcision in Lesotho

Abstract

Aim: Medical male circumcision (MMC) standards are critical in promoting clients’ safety and quality care. The aim is to report on factors that influence non-compliance with standards for MMC in the Lesotho context. Design: A qualitative, explorative, descriptive research design was used. Method: Four focus group interviews were held with 19 purposively selected registered nurses providing routine MMC for one year or more. Results: Three themes emerged namely: knowledge of quality standards, barriers to compliance, and perceived enabling working environment. Findings highlight barriers such as infrastructure, the high targets that are set for programmes, and societal and cultural issues. Fatigue and burnout were prevalent among MMC providers due to workload. These providers stated carelessness in their work was brought on by overconfidence in their skills, leading to poor compliance with quality standards. Public contribution: Implementing public health interventions in a clinical setting requires careful planning to respond to epidemics.