Perceptions and decision making regarding circumcision amongst parents and medical personnel

Abstract

Aim of the study

Despite the fact that male circumcision being one of the most common procedures, there is a lack of awareness amongst parents and doctors. In this study, a questionnaire was applied to find answers covering topics, which include best timing of operation and type of anaesthesia, indications, expected complications, and contraindications, as well as effect on sexual performance.

Methods

A total of 146 test subjects (48 parents, 48 local pediatricians, and 50 general practitioners (GP)) were requested to fill out a questionnaire concerning the mentioned topics.

Main results

GP mostly preferred (46 %) circumcision under age of two when compared to parents (18.8 %) (p = 0.001). However, 18.8 % of pediatricians and 30 % of GP preferred circumcision during phallic stage. Parents (47.9 % vs 16.7 %-10 %) believed that newborns did not require any type of anaesthesia (p < 0.001). From a religious point of view, the act of circumcision is regarded mandatory according to 10.4 % of parents, 8.3 % pediatricians, and 4 % GP. Doctors regarded circumcision as compulsory (pediatricians 60 % - GP 68.8 %) in preventing venereal diseases compared to parents (37.5 %) (p < 0.001). Need for circumcision in the presence of hydronephrosis was regarded unnecessary by parents (10.4 %) when compared to doctors (p < 0.001). However, this point of view was interestingly shared by 35.4 % of the pediatricians and 40 % GP. According to 37.5 % of the parents, circumcision did not correlate with good reproductive ability (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Results showed that enhanced medical education and awareness are required amongst medical personnel with regards to a widely known subject as circumcision. Public information is also needed to achieve a better state of knowledge.