Work

Parental decision-making for circumcision of children aged 6–12 years in China: trends, influencing factors and the role of the media

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: This study investigates the factors influencing Chinese parents' decision to pursue circumcision for their children aged 6-12 years and analyzes the role of the Internet and media in the popularization of related scientific knowledge. Methods: Based on retrospective data from the National Children's Regional Medical Single Center from 2015 to 2024, along with a questionnaire survey and literature analysis. Results: The study found a significant increase in clinic visits (p = 0.000, r = 0.967) and circumcision procedures (p = 0.003, r = 0.831) among children with phimosis over the past decade. Circumcision is no longer entirely dependent on medical professional advice, but is influenced by a wider range of informational and sociocultural factors. Parents' trust in online medical information (OR = 6.054, 95% CI 1.027-35.683, p = 0.047) and prolonged exposure to media content recommending surgery (OR = 7.500, 95% CI 1.481-37.974, p = 0.015) were independent risk factors contributing to their decision. In contrast, fear of surgical risk (OR = 0.239, 95% CI 0.059-0.965, p = 0.044), anesthesia, high costs, and long recovery times were key deterrents. Further validation of these independent risk factors revealed that internet and social media platforms (e.g., Baidu, Xiao hongshu, and Shake) had a significant impact on parental decision-making through algorithmic recommendations and emotional content, creating an "opinion dominance effect." Conclusion: The study reveals the complexity of parental decision-making and emphasizes the need to enhance the dissemination of scientific information to mitigate the impact of misleading content on medical decision-making.

Source: Frontiers in Urology

DOI: 10.3389/fruro.2025.1730269

Authors: Yue Wu, Yi Wei, Xiang Liu

Institutions: Sichuan International Studies University, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Genital Health and Disease

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,353