Men and family planning: what is their future role?
OBJECTIVE
To describe men's desired involvement in family planning and to determine the services desired by potential male clients.


METHODS
Using a self-administered questionnaire, this study surveyed male partners of family planing clients and men attending sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics at an urban health department. Perceived health concerns, contraceptive attitudes and practices, and desired involvement in family planning currently and in the future were targeted.


CONCLUSIONS
Respondents reported desiring involvement in family planning decisions, although reported behaviors often conflicted with this desire. Routine physical examinations and receipt of health information were perceived to be important, while "male only" clinics were not. Respondents were willing to attend partners' family planning appointments if asked and were willing to help pay for the chosen contraceptive. Provision of vasectomy services was perceived as important. Prevention of cancer, STDs, and impotence were the three highest health concerns reported.


CONCLUSIONS
Men want to be partners in family planning and will access services if available. Current political and social policies are demanding more personal responsibility for the outcome of unintended pregnancies. In response to political and social demands, Title X family planning clinics are refocusing services to include men.
Fortunati
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Central District Health Department, Boise, ID, USA. dlfortun@earthlink.net
Floerchinger-Franks
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D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000639:trends*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008571:Men; D015205:Northwestern United States; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires