@article{article_1734992, title={Mothers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding circumcision and the influence of parental demographics: a retrospective study}, journal={Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine}, volume={8}, pages={1034–1040}, year={2025}, DOI={10.32322/jhsm.1734992}, author={Erden, Damla and Arıca, Vefik}, keywords={Circumcision, level of knowledge, complications, maternal attitude}, abstract={Aims: Circumcision is a surgical procedure performed on nearly all males in our society. This study aimed to evaluate mothers’ knowledge and attitudes regarding circumcision and to raise awareness of common misconceptions that may lead to adverse outcomes.
Methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted between February 17 and April 17, 2014, among mothers whose children had previously undergone circumcision and who presented to the pediatric outpatient clinic for any reason. A total of 540 mothers were included. A structured questionnaire assessing socioeconomic status, educational background, and knowledge about circumcision was administered.
Results: The study included 540 mothers. The mean age at circumcision was 3.7±2.6 years. Circumcision was performed during the neonatal period in 13.8% (n=75), at 1-2 years in 24.9% (n=135), at 3-6 years in 44.3% (n=240), and after 6 years in 17% (n=92) of cases. Mothers with lower socioeconomic and educational levels had significantly less knowledge regarding circumcision.
Conclusion: The majority of circumcisions were performed between the ages of 3 and 6, a developmentally vulnerable period. The findings suggest that families were generally unaware of the potential psychological effects and medical risks associated with circumcision at this age. Mothers with low income and education levels should be included in educational programs to improve awareness about the benefits and possible complications of circumcision.}, number={6}, publisher={MediHealth Academy Yayıncılık}, organization={Bu çalışma herhangi bir kurum veya kuruluş tarafından desteklenmemiştir.}