Factors influencing maternal knowledge of newborn circumcision

This descriptive study of new mothers' knowledge of newborn circumcision evaluated that knowledge as a basis for giving informed consent for the procedure on their newborn male infants. A total of 100 mothers were asked, prior to leaving the hospital, to complete a written questionnaire assessing their knowledge and the sources from which it was obtained. A particular emphasis was the role of the nurse in providing this information. This knowledge was assessed through a questionnaire that nurses on the obstetrical units of the study hospitals completed. Obstetricians and prenatal nurse practitioners were surveyed regarding their provision of circumcision counseling and their attitudes toward nurses dealing with this need in the hospital setting.

The study revealed many deficits in maternal knowledge considered important for granting an informed consent. The analysis of the data from the nurses revealed some deficiencies in knowledge of circumcision and little evidence of routine counseling of new mothers relative to this area. Data gathered from the nurse practitioners and obstetricians showed varying degrees of counseling practice, with the nurse practitioner more likely to provide information on a routine basis.