The effect of an educational intervention on the rate of neonatal circumcision

Despite the absence of verifiable indications, routine circumcision of the male neonate remains one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States. A sample of obstetric clinic patients in a large urban hospital was tested to determine whether spoken educational intervention would reduce the rate of circumcision. The results showed that the rate was lowered significantly (94.4% circumcised in the control group versus 72% circumcised in the study group). Nevertheless, the majority of the study mothers requested circumcision for their sons despite the educational intervention, suggesting the presence of strong social motives. The authors conclude that many mothers in this population chose circumcision because of inadequate medical information or strong social motives. Both must be addressed if the rate of elective circumcision is to be reduced.