ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To assess parents knowledge of HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) reduction through male circumcision, determine their desire to have their newborn son circumcised, and quantify impacts of circumcision procedural awareness. DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of parents attending public healthcare facilities in Nassau, Bahamas, including a subsection completed after reading a circumcision information pamphlet. RESULTS: 314 mothers and 39 fathers were included. 87.8% were Bahamian and 7.4% Haitian. 97.1% followed Christianity. 7.4% had at least one other circumcised son and 25.7% of parents reported a circumcised father. 15.7% were aware that male circumcision reduces a mans chance of getting HIV and 29.8% knew the procedure reduces STI. 88.5% and 88.4% of Haitians were unaware of male circumcision reducing HIV and STI acquisition, while awareness was greater amongst all those with higher levels of formal education. 55.6% of parents initially opted for neonatal male circumcision - especially circumcised fathers, Bahamian and Jamaican nationals, those who completed at least high school, and those believing male circumcision reduces HIV and STI rates. Improved health, appearance, and hygiene motivated participants more than cultural and religious affiliation. Both parents felt that the decision on neonatal male circumcision should be made in unison. Acceptance rose to 68.0% after reading the information pamphlet on male circumcision. CONCLUSION: Newborn male circumcision is decided on by both parents in most cases with little influence of culture and religion. Information on neonatal male circumcision risks and benefits, including reduction of HIV and STI, lead to an increase in its acceptance.
Subject(s)
Circumcision, Male/education , Circumcision, Male , Infant, Newborn , HIV , Disease Prevention , Cross-Sectional Studies , BahamasABSTRACT
A recent national study in Trinidad and Tobago done by the author revealed that there are many misconceptions and lack of knowledge amongst parents about the foreskin and circumcisions. As clinicians it is our duty to educate parents and hence reduce the need for unnecessary referrals and circumcisions. These are some facts concerning the foreskin and circumcision.
Subject(s)
Infant , Child, Preschool , Humans , Male , Foreskin , Circumcision, Male/adverse effects , Circumcision, Male/education , Trinidad and TobagoABSTRACT
It has been argued that uncircumcised men are at a higher risk of contracting and transmitting sexually transmitted diseases (STD)including HIV. However, Caribbean health professionals are somewhat divided in their opinion on this issue and, therefore, circumcision has not become a routine operation in the Caribbean. Circumcision is often done as a routine postnatal procedure in the United States, where research findings suggest that men, who are circumcised, may reduce their risks of becoming HIV infected, and of infecting their partners (AU)