TDNet Discover

Background: It is current practice in the United States to provide the option to parents to circumcise their newborn males while still in the hospital, however there are no definitive guidelines available in any reputable sources such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), or United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) that help guide parents and clinicians in their decisions. Ultimately, it seems the consensus on recommendation and counseling is left to the provider. The ambiguity of these recommendations leave parents and clinicians at a potential impasse as to the surgical decision for their newborn male. Purpose: This research sought to assess factors that are most influential on parental decision to circumcise their newborns in the United States. We hope that with this data, clinicians can better appeal to a parent’s concerns and more effectively educate parents on this medical decision. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted from October 2023 to July 2024 to assess influential factors on parental decisions for or against infant male circumcision. A self-reporting survey on Survey MonkeyⓇ was distributed by word of mouth, QR codes, social media, and email. The study population included parents who are at least 18 years of age of males who are at least 4 weeks of age or older and were born in the USA. Intellectus software was utilized for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 75 respondents completed the survey. Of the study variables, the most influential factors in favor of Early Infant Medical Circumcision (EIMC) were hygiene, health, the father was circumcised, and cosmetic appearances. The most influential factors against EIMC were that EIMC was not medically necessary and that the child had no input in the decision. Only 37.33% found the AAP guidelines helpful with the majority being self informed. v Conclusions: Based on responses, it was concluded that a more in depth conversation needs to be had between providers and parents/guardians to assess all influencing factors, risks, benefits, and concerns. There was a severe lack of information given to parents by providers, including the AAP guidelines and conversations about risks and benefits of circumcision prior to decision making. Providers were also found to be biased towards encouraging circumcision rather than against it, as reported by parents.