Post-infant circumcision amongst children in Hawai'i

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Demography

Background:

• Newborn circumcision rates in Hawaii were high during 1996-2005.
• A decline in newborn circumcision frequency was observed.
• Circumcision data was analyzed using ICD-9 code 64.0.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine circumcision frequency in children over 12 months.
• To compare rates between US-born and non-US-born children in Hawaii.
• To analyze trends from 1996 to 2005.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of aggregate circumcision data from a children's hospital.
• Identification of birthplace as a proxy for immigration status.
• Data collected for circumcisions in children aged 12 months to 18 years.

Main Results:

• Average newborn circumcision rate was 89%, declining from 93% to 88% between 1997 and 2005.
• 552 circumcisions were performed on children aged 1-18 years.
• Among children with available birthplace data, 24% were foreign-born, indicating higher post-infant circumcision rates in immigrants.

Conclusions:

• Despite declining newborn rates, circumcisions in older children are increasing.
• Non-US-born children undergo circumcision at a disproportionately higher rate post-infancy.
• Immigration status appears to be a significant factor in post-infant circumcision trends.