Circumcision in Bali? a survey of knowledge and attitude of Balinese parents toward their son’s circumcision in elementary school Denpasar, Bali

Abstract

Background: Many factors were involved performing circumcision such as knowledge, religion, or culture. Circumcision was the most common surgical procedure, but considered low in Bali. This study aims to determine the general knowledge and attitudes of parents towards the decision to make circumcision in children in the city of Denpasar. Methods: A study in Denpasar area involving 1655 questionnaires was filled out by one parent who had at least one son in the Denpasar elementary school. Results: The response rate was 86.5% (1655); Most respondents were fathers (55.3%), Hinduism (66,8%), and educational level was high school (45%). 70,5% respondents didn’t circumcise their sons. 51% respondents believe that circumcision was necessary. Most reason to circumcision was better hygiene (52.3%). The best age for circumcision was Elementary School (76.4%). Most reason for not being circumcision was didn’t know medical benefits (30.6%). It was found that most respondents had good knowledge (71.9%). Parents with a high level of education were more positive in responding to circumcision in their sons (P <0.05). Mothers were more positive in responding to circumcision (P <0.05). no significant differences were found in the respondents of father and mother to level of knowledge about circumcision. Conclusion: This study concluded that most respondents had well knowledge about circumcision but majority didn’t circumcise their son. More future research is needed to describe the condition of circumcision in some regions in Indonesia and it’s important to both children and parents know about advantage and disadvantage of circumcision.