Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Here's what passes for research "supporting circumcision":
"Circumcision made no difference in anything we measured."
The investigators found that sexual activity increased at the same level among both circumcised and uncircumcised men during the study period. However, they also found that condom use increased among both groups, while engagement in risky sexual behaviors - such as having multiple sex partners or having sex in exchange for money - declined.
Sexual activity, condom use, and risky behaviors: Intact or circumcision, no difference.

So why this headline? Circumcised African men 'less likely to engage in risky sexual behavior'

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279898.php

A fair reading of "no difference" does not support a surgical intervention.

Perhaps this study argues for the non-surgical intervention that was part of the methodology:
During the study period, all participants were also encouraged to attend clinics for HIV testing and counseling services, where HIV educational videos were shown in waiting areas.
This study find no benefit to circumcision.

That's the take-away message.

It should be the headline.