Psychosocial Factors Influence Parental Decision for Circumcision in Pediatric Males of African American Decent

African American parents strongly believe that circumcision is essential for a healthy state and are willing to opt for the procedure despite the belief that it may be painful for the child. The mother primarily made the final decision to circumcise her child, largely based on the perceived health and hygiene benefits. In blacks, the mother yields considerable influence in the decision to circumcise the child, with maternal preference as the main reason for seeking circumcision in as much as a quarter of cases.