Ethnicity as a Factor in Reproductive Health Care Utilization Among Males Attending Family Planning Clinics

Abstract

Health care utilization of reproductive health care services among males is an emerging issue. This study examined ethnicity as a factor in reproductive health care utilization among 1,606 African American and Hispanic young males attending family planning clinics. Seventy percent were African American and 30% were Hispanic. Across groups, the most received service was treatment for a sexually transmitted infection (STI). African American males were more likely than Hispanic males to have health insurance, report a prior visit to a family planning/STI clinic, and have a history of an STI. Hispanic males had higher rates of employment. The most common source of referral for family planning services for both groups was either a current girlfriend or female friend. Hispanic males were more likely to use family as a referral source than African American males. Differences were also noted in regard to interest in health topics with African American males most interested in STI prevention and getting a job and Hispanic males in services related to working-out/eating well, controlling anger, feeling depressed, and getting along with family. Young males' perceptions of what they consider to be important health care needs should be assessed carefully in order to maintain their interest in returning to the clinics.

Engaging Young Black Males in Sexual and Reproductive Health Care: A Review of the Literature

“…In this review, lack of health insurance (defined as having no insurance, no health care, or no public or private health insurance coverage) proved to be a primary barrier for young Black males accessing SRH-preventive services (Buzi & Smith, 2014; Conserve et al, 2017; Goyal et al, 2014; Weinman et al, 2011). A prominent reason for not accessing SRH services in clinics appeared to be financial, including the cost of clinic visits and lack of alternative fee structures (e.g., sliding scale) for clinic services.…”

“…A prominent reason for not accessing SRH services in clinics appeared to be financial, including the cost of clinic visits and lack of alternative fee structures (e.g., sliding scale) for clinic services. Those with nonprivate insurance (e.g., Medicaid or uninsured) were reported to be less likely to undergo gonorrhea and chlamydia testing (Buzi & Smith, 2014; Goyal et al, 2014; Weinman et al, 2011). Lack of knowledge was also a persistent theme (Boyd et al, 2018; Buzi & Smith, 2014; Goyal et al, 2014; Pastuszak et al, 2017; Ricks et al, 2014).…”

“…Those with nonprivate insurance (e.g., Medicaid or uninsured) were reported to be less likely to undergo gonorrhea and chlamydia testing (Buzi & Smith, 2014;Goyal et al, 2014;Weinman et al, 2011). Lack of knowledge was also a persistent theme (Boyd et al, 2018;Buzi & Smith, 2014;Goyal et al, 2014;Pastuszak et al, 2017;Ricks et al, 2014).…”

Missed Opportunities to Address Pregnancy Prevention With Young Men in Primary Care

“…One study, conducted among males aged 16-28 in a family planning clinic, indicated that few (5%) were interested to learn more about birth control. 19 However, another clinic-based study conducted among male patients aged 16-35 found that the majority wanted their healthcare provider to bring up family planning topics including how to use a condom correctly (70%), female birth control methods (64%), and emergency contraception (75%). 18 The findings of the current study extends this literature by assessing young men’s perceptions of having learned about pregnancy prevention, rather than just their interest in the topic, and the importance of addressing care beyond a focus on just STDs/HIV.…”

“…13 Although the majority of young men are seen in primary care, [14][15][16] past clinic-based studies have been conducted in family planning settings and focus on young men's attitudes and behaviors toward contraception use, rather than pregnancy prevention service receipt. [17][18][19] Data about pregnancy prevention service receipt from nationally representative household-based samples of young men have not typically differentiated between the clinical settings where such services are delivered (eg, primary care, family planning, or sexually transmitted disease [STD] clinics) and highlight that less than one quarter of young men report pregnancy prevention service receipt in the last year. 1,20 Research on pregnancy prevention in clinical settings has typically focused on sexually active young men and does not typically include young men who may be on the brink of sexual activity.…”