Table 2.
Themes and example messages by phase after voluntary medical male circumcision resulting from expert consultation.
| Phasea | Themes | Examples of messages |
| 1 | Inactivity and rest | Rest! This will help with the wound healing. |
| 1 | Role of the clinic; wound management | Go back to the clinic after two and seven days so the dressing can be replaced and the wound can be checked. |
| 1 | Wound management; hygiene | Use lukewarm water to wash the wound every day. Keep the dressing dry. |
| 1 | Wound management; erection issues | Check for any skin tightness when you get an erection. |
| 1 | Role of the clinic; wound management | If there is pus coming out of the wound, go to the clinic. |
| 1 | Pain management; medication | Don’t be brave! Take pain tablets to relieve the pain. |
| 1 | Wound management; partner and family support | Are you having a difficult time? Talk to someone you love. They will understand. |
| 2 | Self-efficacy and affirmation; goal setting | Want to be healthy? Look after yourself. |
| 2 | Self-efficacy and affirmation | You can do it! |
| 2 | Partner and family support | Make sure you talk to your partner. |
| 2 | Self-efficacy and affirmation; motivation | Did you look after your penis today? |
| 2 | Goal setting; healthy living | Regular exercise and healthy diet are essential. |
| 2 | Wound management; erection issues | Get rid of that painful erection by urinating frequently. |
| 2 | Early resumption of sex | Having sex too early will just set you back! |
| 2 | Early resumption of sex; alcohol consumption | Be aware of alcohol. It impedes your judgement. |
| 2 | Safe living; condom use | Remember that circumcision does not provide 100% protection. |
| 2 | Motivation; goal setting | No sex or masturbation for six weeks! |
| 2 | Nonpenetrative sex; sexual needs of partner | Find ways to please your partner without using your penis. |
| 2 | Nonpenetrative sex | Loving is not about sex only! |
| 2 | Self-efficacy and affirmation; motivation | You are the best! |
| 2 | Motivation; goal setting | Regular condom use, knowing your HIV b status, and keeping to one partner is the recipe for an HIV-free future. |
aPhase 1: recovery phase; phase 2: adjustment phase.
bHIV: human immunodeficiency virus.