Population-based cohort data used to assess trends in early resumption of sexual activity after voluntary medical male circumcision in Rakai, Uganda

Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) reduces the risk of heterosexual acquisition of HIV by 50%-60%. The Uganda Ministry of Health recommends abstinence of sex for 42 days after VMMC to allow complete wound healing. However, some men resume sex early before the recommended period. We estimated trends in prevalence and risk factors of early sex resumption (ESR) among VMMC clients in Rakai, Uganda, from 2013-2020. Data from the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS), a cross-sectional study, were analyzed. Data included consenting males aged 15-49 years in RCCS who self-reported having received VMMC between the period of 2013 to 2020. ESR prevalence and associated risk factors were assessed using modified Poisson regression to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR). Overall, 1,832 participants were included in this study. ESR decreased from 45.1% in 2013 to 14.9% in 2020 (p