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Early adolescent knowledge and attitudes about circumcision: methods and implications for research.
N M Schlossberger1, R A Turner, C E Irwin
1Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco 94143.
Summary
Adolescent males who are circumcised report higher satisfaction with their status compared to uncircumcised peers. This study highlights the need for further research into the psychosocial outcomes of circumcision status in males.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent medicine
- Psychosocial health
- Urology
Background:
- The psychosocial effects of circumcision status on adolescent males remain poorly understood.
- Existing research lacks comprehensive methods for assessing attitudes toward circumcision in early adolescence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore methods for assessing attitudes toward circumcision in early adolescent males.
- To investigate differences in satisfaction between circumcised and uncircumcised adolescent males.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-three boys aged 11-14 completed the Petersen Body Image Scale and a custom questionnaire.
- Circumcision status was confirmed via physical examination and visual aids, surpassing self-report accuracy.
- Knowledge of circumcision states was assessed through personal interviews with visual aids.
Main Results:
- A significant difference in satisfaction was found, with circumcised boys reporting higher satisfaction (p < 0.001).
- Visual aids proved more accurate (92%) than self-report (68%) for determining circumcision status.
- No significant differences in general body image were observed between circumcised and uncircumcised groups.
Conclusions:
- Circumcision status is associated with varying levels of satisfaction among adolescent males.
- Accurate assessment of circumcision status requires methods beyond self-report, such as visual aids.
- Further investigation into the psychosocial outcomes related to circumcision status in adolescent males is warranted.