Exploring Women’s Perceptions About Their Role in Supporting Partners’ and Sons’ Reproductive Health Care

Abstract

Women serve as important health information sources for young men. No previous study has explored women's perceptions about this role related to young men's sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care. Twenty African American women recruited from two clinics participated in three focus groups to explore perceptions to engage young men in SRH care. Themes were identified that may facilitate and/or hinder women to engage young men in SRH care: 1) communication/actions to provide support; 2) challenges in providing support; 3) traditional gender role perceptions and other access barriers; and 4) motivation, influence and control. Participants were interested and willing to support young men's SRH including sharing information about clinics (95%), making appointments (90%), going to visits together (90%), and having joint appointments (67%). Findings provide a foundation for programs interested to engage women as health promotion agents to improve young men's SRH care access. Future efforts should explore the generalizability of study findings.

Knowledge of HPV and HPV Vaccine among Women Ages 19 to 26

“…Participants were somewhat unaware of the consequences of HPV for men (44% correctly knew that HPV can cause serious health problems for men) and opportunities for vaccination for men (40% incorrectly thought the HPV vaccine is only for females). Women may act as important sources of health information for male partners, family, or friends and could be a channel for increasing knowledge around HPV and the HPV vaccine for men (Norcross, Ramirez, & Palinkas, 1996;Marcell, Howard, Plowden, & Watson, 2010).…”

“It Used to Be That if It Weren’t Broken and Bleeding Profusely, I Would Never Go to the Doctor”: Men, Masculinity, and Health

“…Marcell, Howard, Plowden, and Watson (2009), in their focus group research, found that women are enthusiastic about the idea of sharing health information, making clinic appointments, attending appoint ments, and making joint appointments with young male relatives concerning sexual and reproductive health issues. Marcell et al suggest that, given this level of willingness, as well as women's typically greater experience with the health care system, they would make ideal health promotion agents for men.…”

Male Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Care

“…These barriers include fear; stigma; shame; denial; lack of social support; lack of confidential services; lack of health insurance options especially as they get older; and not knowing where to go for care. [141][142][143][144][145][146] Given the asymptomatic nature of many STIs, including HIV infection, strategies are needed to raise young men's awareness about sexual/reproductive health services, STI and HIV testing options, and related resources. Promoting sexual/reproductive health for young men can lead to sexual responsibility, healthy intimate relationships, and responsible fatherhood.…”