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Abstract
Purpose
Circumcision is widely practiced in Korea, but its implementation is still controversial, especially among younger parents. Using a questionnaire study, we tried to determine the rate of circumcision among elementary school boys and to determine parental concerns about phimosis and circumcision. We then compared our findings with previously published literature.
Materials and Methods
Between May and June 2007, we randomly selected five elementary schools and distributed self-administered questionnaires to the parents of 2,712 boys from these schools. Questions were related to children's circumcision status, age at the time of circumcision, and opinions concerning circumcision, such as its necessity and benefits. Completed questionnaires were collected and analyzed.
Results
The response rate was 66.2%. The overall circumcision rate of boys in elementary school was 15.4%. Some 40.3% of those boys underwent circumcision in the neonatal period, and 37.3% underwent the procedure between ages 9 and 12 years. The circumcision rate was significantly higher in boys in the higher income bracket group (29.5%) compared to boys in the middle and low income bracket groups (15.4% and 12.8%, respectively). Most boys were circumcised based on the intent of their parents (64.2%). Some 44.5% of parents believed that circumcision was necessary, while 36.3% of parents believed it was not necessary. The most common motive for circumcision was “hygiene benefits” (80.2%).
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