Objective To understand attitudes and decision making regarding neonatal male circumcision. Methods Parents (n = 150) with a son ≤ 3 years old were interviewed regarding demographics, communication with a medical provider, attitudes and process by which the neonatal circumcision decision was made. Results Thirty-three percent of sons were circumcised. In univariate analyses, choosing male circumcision was associated with parents being interviewed in English, the father being circumcised, positive attitudes, being informed of the advantages of circumcision, making a decision before birth, and being offered a choice. In the final model, parents who came from a culture and family that believed in circumcision and who believed it was not too risky were more likely to circumcise their sons. Conclusions Decisions regarding circumcision appear to be influenced by values, risk perceptions and medical providers. Future research should address ways of insuring that families have the opportunity to make an informed decision.

Parents of hospitalized children want to participate in medical decision-making. Desire for the involvement of other family members is complex; therefore, discussions regarding parental preferences are necessary.

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