Parental concerns on the circumcision for elementary school boys: a questionnaire study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Urology
• Public Health
• Social Medicine

Background:

• Circumcision is a common procedure with debated medical benefits.
• Parental perceptions significantly influence decisions regarding pediatric procedures.
• Understanding parental concerns is crucial for informed healthcare discussions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess parental concerns and knowledge about male circumcision in elementary school boys (7-12 years).
• To determine parental opinions on the optimal timing and perceived benefits/drawbacks of circumcision.
• To explore the prevalence and reasons behind neonatal versus school-age circumcision decisions.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 16 urban wards in Busan, South Korea.
• 10,861 parents of elementary school boys were randomly selected to complete questionnaires.
• Data collected included views on circumcision benefits, drawbacks, timing, and neonatal procedures.

Main Results:

• The overall circumcision rate among surveyed boys was 43.2%, increasing with age.
• Parents cited "hygiene benefits" as the primary reason for circumcision (88.1%) and "unreliable medical benefits" as the main concern (38.5%).
• 74.9% of parents considered elementary school age the optimal time, with neonatal circumcision opposed mainly due to infant pain (35.8%).

Conclusions:

• Circumcision in Busan appears influenced by social customs beyond purely medical reasons.
• Physicians should provide clear, honest information to parents regarding the medical aspects of circumcision.
• Addressing parental concerns about pain and perceived medical efficacy is vital for informed decision-making.