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Caddy C, Temple-Smith M, Coombe J. Who does what? Reproductive responsibilities between heterosexual partners. CULTURE, HEALTH & SEXUALITY 2023; 25:1640-1658. [PMID: 36752653 DOI: 10.1080/13691058.2023.2173800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Managing fertility and sexual and reproductive health across the life course is associated with numerous responsibilities disproportionately experienced by women. This extends beyond dealing with the physical side effects of contraception and can include the emotional burden of planning conception and the financial cost of accessing health services. This scoping review aimed to map how reproductive responsibilities were defined and negotiated (if at all) between heterosexual casual and long-term partners during any reproductive life event. Original research in high-income countries published from 2015 onwards was sourced from Medline (Ovid), CINAHL and Scopus. In studies that focused on pregnancy prevention and abortion decision making, men felt conflict in their desire to be actively engaged while not wanting to impede their partner's agency and bodily autonomy. Studies identified multiple barriers to engaging in reproductive work including the lack of acceptable male-controlled contraception, poor sexual health knowledge, financial constraints, and the feminisation of family planning services. Traditional gender roles further shaped men's involvement in both pregnancy prevention and conception work. Despite this, studies reveal nuanced ways of sharing responsibilities - such as companionship during birth and abortion, ensuring contraception is used correctly during intercourse, and sharing the costs of reproductive health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra Caddy
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Jacqueline Coombe
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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2
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Wilkinson TA, Jenkins K, Hawryluk BA, Moore CM, Wiehe SE, Kottke MJ. Dual Protection Messaging for Adolescents and Young Adults in the Setting of Over-the-Counter Hormonal Contraception: A Human-Centered Design Approach. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2022; 35:669-675. [PMID: 36031114 PMCID: PMC9701157 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2022.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To use human-centered design approaches to engage adolescents and young adults in the creation of messages focused on dual method use in the setting of over-the-counter hormonal contraception access DESIGN: Baseline survey and self-directed workbooks with human-centered design activities were completed. The workbooks were transcribed and analyzed using qualitative methods to determine elements of the communication model, including sender, receiver, message, media, and environment. SETTING Indiana and Georgia PARTICIPANTS: People aged 14-21 years in Indiana and Georgia INTERVENTIONS: Self-directed workbooks MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Elements of the communication model, including sender, receiver, message, media, and environment RESULTS: We analyzed 54 workbooks, with approximately half from each state. Stakeholders self-identified as female (60.5%), white (50.9%), Hispanic (10.0%), sexually active (69.8%), and heterosexual (79.2%), with a mean age of 18 years. Most strongly agreed (75.5%) that they knew how to get condoms, but only 30.2% expressed the same sentiment about hormonal contraception. Exploration of the elements of the communication model indicated the importance of crafting tailored messages to intended receivers. Alternative terminology for dual protection, such as "Condom+____," was created. CONCLUSION There is a need for multiple and diverse messaging strategies about dual method use in the context of over-the-counter hormonal contraception to address the various pertinent audiences as this discussion transitions outside of traditional clinical encounters. Human-centered design approaches can be used for novel message development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey A Wilkinson
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics/Children's Health Services Research, Indianapolis, Indiana.
| | - Kelli Jenkins
- Indiana Clinical Translational Institute, Research Jam, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Bridget A Hawryluk
- Indiana Clinical Translational Institute, Research Jam, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Courtney M Moore
- Indiana Clinical Translational Institute, Research Jam, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Sarah E Wiehe
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics/Children's Health Services Research, Indianapolis, Indiana; Indiana Clinical Translational Institute, Research Jam, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Melissa J Kottke
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Atlanta, Georgia
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Gollub EL, Beauvais S, Roye C. College-attending young men's sexual and reproductive health knowledge, attitudes and practices. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2022; 70:706-716. [PMID: 32432978 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1762609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ObjectiveMale involvement in contraceptive practice remains low. Family planning and pediatric health associations have recommended an emphasis on long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) in clinical counseling with adolescents and young adults, raising concerns about the resulting adverse impact on sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates. Participants: College-attending men responded to an internet based questionnaire (n=31) and a phone-based qualitative interview (n=25). Methods: Our survey solicited attitudes toward and knowledge of contraceptive methods and assessed communication practices with sexual partners regarding use of contraception and disease prevention. Results: Knowledge about female methods of contraception was low, with a comparatively high level of knowledge about Plan B. Parents and health care providers were cited as the most helpful sources of information. Conversations about protection with sexual partners were reported by most men, due mainly to fear of unplanned pregnancy, not STI. Conclusion: Addressing couple communication and dual protection among college-attending men needs greater emphasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica L Gollub
- Health Science Program, Pace University College of Health Professions, Pleasantville, New York, USA
| | - Shirley Beauvais
- Lienhard School of Nursing, Pace University College of Health Professions, Pleasantville, New York, USA
| | - Carol Roye
- Lienhard School of Nursing, Pace University College of Health Professions, Pleasantville, New York, USA
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Chambliss JT, Evans R, Bolland A, Wingate MS, Bolland JM. Exploring Condom Use Behaviors Among African American Adolescent Boys in the Deep South. Am J Mens Health 2021; 15:15579883211009039. [PMID: 33855904 PMCID: PMC8053756 DOI: 10.1177/15579883211009039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Risky sexual behaviors among adolescents can increase adverse outcomes including unplanned pregnancy or contraction or transmission of disease. Adolescents who engage in risky sexual activities are at increased risk for adverse health and social outcomes compared to those who do not engage. Despite declines in adolescent pregnancy and birth rates, the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is steadily increasing among adolescents. Moreover, African American adolescent boys in the United States, specifically in the southeastern region are disproportionally at greater risk for STIs, and STI diagnosis within this population has increased over time, compared to their white counterparts. This study sought to identify factors associated with condom use among adolescent boys in the Deep South. Using data from the Mobile Youth Survey, a longitudinal adolescent community-based survey, this study assessed the relationship between personal, behavioral, and environmental factors and condom use among African American adolescent boys (14–19 years). Younger participants (14–15 and 16–17) were more likely to use a condom during the last sexual intercourse compared to older participants (18–19 years). High positive attachment to boy/girlfriend was associated with increased condom use. The number of sexual partners, age at their first sexual encounter, recent sexual behavior, and having an STI were also associated with increased condom use among participants. The study provides further insights into factors associated with condom use among African American adolescent boys and results can inform the development of sexual health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Thames Chambliss
- Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Retta Evans
- Department of Human Studies, School of Education, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Anneliese Bolland
- College of Communications & Information Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Martha S Wingate
- Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, School of Public Health, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - John M Bolland
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
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Lalas J, Garbers S, Gold MA, Allegrante JP, Bell DL. Young Men's Communication With Partners and Contraception Use: A Systematic Review. J Adolesc Health 2020; 67:342-353. [PMID: 32624356 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The rate of adolescent unintended pregnancy in the U.S. is high compared with that in other developed countries. While past research and interventions have focused on young women, the role of young men in pregnancy prevention has increasingly been recognized. Studies have assessed young men's knowledge and attitudes toward pregnancy prevention as well as their role in male-controlled methods of birth control such as condoms or withdrawal. However, less is known about how young men contribute to decision-making about contraceptive methods other than condoms with female partners. The purpose of this systematic review was to explore how young men communicate with their female partners and the effect of such communication on contraception use to prevent pregnancy. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of six databases to identify English language articles published from January 1, 2002, through March 24, 2019. The review specifically explored how young men aged 11-24 years communicate with and affect their female partner (noncondom) contraceptive use. The systematic review explored additional questions, including those pertaining to the timing of partner communication in a relationship, communication strategies used by young men, and which dynamics of partner communication were measured in studies. RESULTS Of the 12 articles identified as exploring male partner communication, five of the articles used quantitative analysis to measure any association between partner communication and contraception use, three of which produced statistically significant findings suggesting that communication increases the use of contraception other than condoms. Seven qualitative studies provided supporting narratives from young men describing communication with partners and how they influence contraception use by female partners. The articles also explored timing and strategies of communication, as well as topics, prompts, and communication cues used by young men. Measurements of both communication and contraception varied across studies. CONCLUSIONS With the small number of studies identified in this systematic review, we conclude that future research needs to corroborate the relationship between partner communication and contraception use with more robust and precise measurements of both communication and contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolene Lalas
- Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York.
| | - Samantha Garbers
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Melanie A Gold
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York; Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York; New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York
| | - John P Allegrante
- Department of Health and Behavior Studies, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York; Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - David L Bell
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York; Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York; New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York
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Nguyen BT, Violette C, Li HZ, Jensen JT. Expectations for Sex without Birth Control among Young Men: Risk Factors from the USA National Survey of Reproductive and Contraceptive Knowledge. World J Mens Health 2019; 38:573-581. [PMID: 31749339 PMCID: PMC7502322 DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.190098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Male partner engagement in family planning can influence women's contraceptive behaviors and risk of unintended pregnancy. We identified factors associated with self-reported expectations for future contraceptive use among a nationally-representative sample of young men. Materials and Methods The National Survey of Reproductive and Contraceptive Knowledge asked unmarried, sexually active men (ages, 18–29 y), who were neither involved in nor trying for a pregnancy, about their likelihood of having sex without contraception in the following three months. Demographics, social factors, and contraceptive awareness and attitudes were examined for potential associations using weighted analyses. Results Of 903 men surveyed, nearly 600 were sexually active and expected to have sex in the following 3 months; nearly half (43%) reported at least some likelihood (23% slightly, 7% very, 13% extreme likely) that they would have sex without any contraception. Factors independently associated with sex without contraception included: not completing high school, not being in school full-time, not receiving sex education, limited awareness of contraceptive methods, multiple sexual partners, and friends with unintended pregnancies. Conclusions Despite not wanting a pregnancy, many young men report they will have sex without contraception. While comprehensive sex education may increase contraceptive use, interpersonal and social factors also influence men's expected use of contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian T Nguyen
- Section of Family Planning, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA.
| | | | - Hong Z Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jeffrey T Jensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
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Hoopes AJ, Sucato GS. Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive Methods Need a Barrier to Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections in Adolescents. JAMA Pediatr 2019; 173:624-626. [PMID: 31107510 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.1133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gina S Sucato
- Adolescent Center, Kaiser Permanente Washington, Seattle.,Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute, Seattle
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Woodhams E, Sipsma H, Hill BJ, Gilliam M. Perceived responsibility for pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection prevention among young African American men: An exploratory focus group study. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2018; 16:86-91. [PMID: 29804783 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Poor reproductive health outcomes, including unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, continue to disproportionately affect African American teenaged populations. Interventions largely focus on young women, yet young men may play an important role in mitigating these reproductive health outcomes. This study aims to understand African American male teenagers' views on pregnancy prevention responsibility by qualitatively exploring their attitudes around contraception and condom responsibility. We conducted exploratory qualitative focus groups on perceived contraceptive and condom responsibility with 24 African American male high school students, ages 14-19, enrolled in charter schools in the South Side of Chicago. Research domains included relationship type, communication with female partners, perceived responsibility for pregnancy prevention, condom and contraceptive behaviors, and contraceptive knowledge. Data were coded using content analysis revealing several themes: Young men view condom use as important, but actual use of condoms is modified by relationship factors and perception of risk of STIs; Responsibility to prevent pregnancy is a shared- or female-responsibility; and male teenagers had greatest awareness of male-controlled contraceptive methods and limited knowledge or comfort with other non-condom forms of contraception. These adolescents weigh many factors when determining whether to use condoms and/or contraception. Building upon widespread endorsement for condom use and STI prevention offer the most hope for further gains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Woodhams
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, MC 2050 Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Boston University School of Medicine, 850 Harrison Ave YACC-5, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Heather Sipsma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, MC 2050 Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Brandon J Hill
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, MC 2050 Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health, The University of Chicago, 6030 S. Ellis Ave, Ste 266, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Melissa Gilliam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, MC 2050 Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Center for Interdisciplinary Inquiry and Innovation in Sexual and Reproductive Health, The University of Chicago, 6030 S. Ellis Ave, Ste 266, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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