Study on Consciousness of Korean Adults for Circumcision

Ryu, Soo Bang; Kim, Kang Won; Kang, Taek Won; Min, Kyung Dae; Kwon, Dong Deuk; Oh, Bong Ryoul

Abstract

PURPOSE: There is controversy surrounding the benefits and risks to health of a circumcision of the male prepuce. The purpose of this study was to provide educational material to the general population and medical doctors to help them understand appropriate opinions relating to a circumcision.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A prospective study, including 1,124 adult men, 772 women, with sons, and 971 doctors, was performed. The subjects were interviewed, in detail, about their cognition of circumcision, their circumcision status, their age at circumcision, how many men received circumcisions, their reasons and thoughts relating to circumcision, the pros and cons and their current knowledge of the health benefits and risks associated with male circumcision.
RESULTS
81% of the general subjects, and 77% of the doctors, taking part in the study, were circumcised. The most common age at circumcision, accounting for 34% of the subjects, was over 18 years old. 77% of the general subjects, and 80% doctors, agreed with circumcision. The greatest motive for a circumcision, accounting for 38% of the subjects, was their parents wish. The satisfaction rate of a circumcision was 93%. Most Koreans (69%) considered that a circumcision is an ordinary operations in males.
CONCLUSIONS
In this study, most Korean men were found to be circumcised, and were very much satisfied with the results, and on most occasions the procedure had been performed after adolescence. These results suggest that, in Korea, circumcision has a position as a customary conduct, and in itself is inevitable. Therefore, it is essential to explain the advantages and disadvantages of a circumcision to patients and their parents.