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Circumcision of preschool boys in Baghdad, Iraq: prevalence, current practice and complications

Hussein Naji1, Rajaa Mustafa

  • 1Department of Paediatric Surgery, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-17176, Stockholm, Sweden. hussein.naji@karolinska.se

Frontiers of Medicine
|February 5, 2013
PubMed

Insights

This study found that 61% of preschool boys in Baghdad were circumcised, primarily for religious reasons. Medical professionals performing circumcision led to significantly fewer complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Public Health
  • Urology

Background:

  • Circumcision is an ancient surgical procedure with high prevalence globally.
  • Understanding current practices and outcomes is crucial for pediatric health.
  • Data on circumcision prevalence and complications in Iraq is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of circumcision in preschool boys in Baghdad, Iraq.
  • To examine the reasons behind circumcision (medical vs. religious).
  • To analyze current circumcision practices and associated complications.

Main Methods:

  • A statistical survey was conducted at a children's hospital in Baghdad.
  • Structured interviews were performed with parents of 4000 boys.
  • Data collected included age, circumcision status, reasons, practitioner, and complications.

Main Results:

  • A total of 4000 boys were surveyed; 61% were circumcised.
  • Circumcision prevalence increased from 18% at 6 months to 92% by 6 years of age.
  • Most circumcisions (92.6%) were for religious reasons, with parents deciding.
  • Complications occurred in 8.5% of cases, with fewer complications when performed by doctors (30%) or nurses (52%) compared to traditional circumcisers (18%).

Conclusions:

  • Circumcision is highly prevalent among preschool boys in Baghdad, predominantly for religious reasons.
  • Medical professionals performing circumcision resulted in significantly fewer complications.
  • It is recommended that circumcision be performed by trained medical staff in healthcare institutions.

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