The Effect of Circumcision Age on Anxiety and Self-Perception in Boys

This cross-sectional and descriptive study investigates the impact of circumcision age on anxiety and self-perception in children. 342 fourth-grade primary school boys were recruited for the study. Data was collected using questionnaires, the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale, and the Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, One Way ANOVA, Tamhane Post Hoc tests, and Spearman correlation analysis. Results showed that 53.2% and 21.1% of the children were circumcised at 0-1 and 3-6 years, respectively. The mean trait anxiety scores of children circumcised at 3-6 years were significantly higher than those at other age periods (0-1, 1-3, 6-12 years). However, those circumcised at 3-6 years had lower self-perception scores. The study recommends circumcision be performed at the most appropriate age to avoid negative psychosocial effects, and nurses should counsel parents about the most appropriate age period.