Background: The principal mode of HIV transmission in Southern Africa is through sexual intercourse, and this has prompted
uptake of safe male circumcision. Engaging in risky sexual behaviour by circumcised men increases the risks of acquiring HIV,
though male circumcision coupled with preventive behaviour reduces this risk.
Objective: To compare the factors associated with risky sexual behaviour among circumcised and uncircumcised men in Botswana.

Methods: Nationally representative data from the Botswana AIDS Impact Survey III were used. A sample of 313 sexually active
men was used. The data was analysed by cross-tabulation and logistic regression.
Results: The study revealed that uncircumcised men (odds ratio, 5.711) were more likely to have sex while intoxicated with alcohol
compared to circumcised men. Low levels of education (odds ratio, 8.736), urban residency (city/town: odds ratio, 1.238
and urban village: odds ratio, 1.098) were more likely to influence risky behaviour (more than one sexual partner) for circumcised
men. The results also show that marital status (never married) (odds ratio, 1.947) influences risky behaviour (having sex while
intoxicated with alcohol) among uncircumcised men.
Conclusion: Low level of education, place of residence and alcohol consumption influences risky sexual behaviour for both
circumcised and uncircumcised men. Policies and programmes should thus focus on the attitudes underlying sexual behaviour.