African Journal of Public Health and Health Systems | 17 August 2024
A Scoping Review of Nudge-Based Interventions for Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision Uptake in African University Settings: A Protocol for Senegal
M, a, m, a, d, o, u, N, d, i, a, y, e, ,, A, m, i, n, a, t, a, D, i, a, g, n, e
Abstract
Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) is a key HIV prevention strategy in high-prevalence regions. University students represent a priority demographic due to their age and sexual behaviour, yet uptake remains suboptimal. Behavioural economics, particularly nudge theory, offers a potential approach to influence health decision-making, but its application to VMMC in African higher education contexts is not well mapped. This scoping review aims to systematically map and describe the existing literature on nudge-based interventions designed to increase VMMC uptake, with a focus on African university settings. Its objectives are to identify the types of nudges used, their theoretical foundations, and implementation strategies to inform future research. The review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. A systematic search will be conducted across multiple electronic databases, and grey literature will be sought. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts, and full texts against pre-defined inclusion criteria. Data will be extracted using a standardised template and analysed thematically. As this is a protocol, no empirical findings are presented. The completed review will provide a narrative synthesis and thematic analysis of the identified literature. The completed review will synthesise evidence on nudge interventions for VMMC in African universities, highlighting knowledge gaps and informing the design of contextually relevant interventions. Future research should develop and test theory-informed nudge interventions tailored to the specific social and structural environment of Senegalese universities. Engagement with students and health service providers is crucial for intervention co-design. Voluntary medical male circumcision, HIV prevention, behavioural economics, nudge theory, scoping review, university students, Africa. This protocol outlines a plan to map the evidence on nudge-based strategies for VMMC in African universities, a currently underexplored area. The resulting review will provide a foundation for designing behavioural interventions to improve VMMC uptake among this key demographic.