One's health status is a complicated matter involving barriers linked to inqualities of income, race, and gender. The dynamic intersection of class, color, and sex/gender have never ever been more evident than in the areas of family planning, reproductive, and sexual health care: traditionally, family planning programs have neglected to serve men, particularly lower income males of color; young women of color have yet to fully realize the benefits of family planning programs. When males are involved in family planning programs, the results have been healthier reproductive health outcomes for men and their partners. Yet there have been fewer opportunities for men to receive education and counseling about sexual and reproductive health care from service providers. Men's Preventive Health Counseling Program (MPHCP) administered by Action for Boston Community Development is an innovative primary health care clinic-based program designed to provide a comprehensive family planning, reproductive, and sexual health education and counseling to lower income adult males of color. Preliminary results of MPHCP appear to be encouraging: 1)clients increasing their level of knowledge about family planning, reproductive health, and sexual health care; 2) clients developing healthier beliefs about family planning, reproductive health, and sexual health care; 3)clients modifying their traditional beliefs about manhood and men's behavior; and 4)clients advancing their readiness to change/adopt healthier reproductive and sexual health care practice. The results of the program are increased health, lower mortality and morbidity rates by reducing the incidence of STDs, including HIV/AIDS and lowering unplanned pregnancy rates among lower income populations of color.
Learning Objectives: To describe a male primary health care clinic-based model for providing family planning, reproductive, and sexual health care education and counseling to lower income adult males of color. To assess the outcome of this clinic-based program in increasing clients knowledge about family planning, reproductive, and sexual health care. To assess the outcome of this clinic-based program in helping clients adopt more healthy beliefs about family planning, reproductive, and sexual health care. To assess the outcome of this clinic-based program in modifying clients' traditional view of manhood and men's behavior.
Keywords: Male Reproductive Health, Underserved Populations
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Action for Boston Community Development-Health Services
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.