title: A qualitative study on how adolescent males in South India view reproductive health.
abstract: In India it is taboo to discuss sexual and reproductive health (RH) issues, especially with adolescent boys. Minimal research has been done in India to address the adolescent mindset of boys. Our aim was to study the unaddressed issues among boys and to highlight their perspectives regarding RH.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative study design-using focus group discussions (FGD) in a rural-urban setting in South India was conducted. A convenient sample of 60 boys aged 16-19 years participated in six FGD and 10 boys had participated in in-depth interviews.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study revealed that a cordial environment both at home and school were primary needs. Peer pressure and media instigated adolescents to get involved in risky behaviour and substance use. "Pornography", "wrong myths about RH", "substance use", and "sexual attractions" were the primary unaddressed issues of boys. Participants had poor awareness about RH services.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RH services are inadequate and proper infrastructure is required for providing these services to adolescent boys.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Veena Ganesh
authors.initials: VG
authors.lastname: Kamath
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Asha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kamath
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Kallol
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Roy
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Chythra Raghavendra
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatrics, Melaka Manipal Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Asha
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hegde
authors.affiliation: Department of Public Health, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Lena
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ashok
keywords: adolescent males; counselling; media; reproductive health; reproductive health services