A Study of Factors that Influence the Parental Decision to Circumcise Male Infants

Download or read book A Study of Factors that Influence the Parental Decision to Circumcise Male Infants written by Brenda Wells Dyal and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: ABSTRACT: A review of literature from the fields of nursing, medicine, sociology, law and psychology from the late 1980's to the present reveals extensive discussion and debate of male circumcision. This investigation was an attempt to determine factors which may influence parental decision making regarding routine newborn circumcision and to determine parental attitudes toward circumcision. The issue has been debated for decades; with proponents and opponents alike arguing their position with passion. In 1999 the American Academy of Pediatrics (APA) updated their current policy on routine newborn circumcision. The APA does not recommend routine newborn circumcision, instead declares circumcision to be a decision best left to parents. The policy further states the decision regarding circumcision should be made after parents receive accurate and impartial information from their healthcare provider. Using a questionnaire asking both demographic and nondemographic questions a sample of parents of male children aged birth to thirty-six months were invited to participate in the research. One hundred-one participants returned the completed questionnaire. Data collected shows that although not statistically significant, there does seem to be a trend between decision making regarding circumcision and advice from healthcare providers. This is reflected by the fact that of the participants who had their son circumcised 58% did so without advice from any healthcare provider with an increase to nearly 80% after discussion with a healthcare provider. Data was unable to show any significant effect by demographic variables on parental decision making regarding circumcision.