The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #57972

Robert Becker, MS and Dana Czuczka, MPH. Education and Training, Planned Parenthood of New York City, 26 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012, 2122747336, robert.becker@ppnyc.org

In an effort to make our health centers more male-friendly, Planned Parenthood of New York City (PPNYC) established a unique waiting room education project to educate and motivate the male partners of our female clientele to become more constructively involved in family planning and reproductive and sexual health. A computer, LCD projector, and VCR were installed in our waiting room to run Microsoft Powerpoint slideshows and educational videos emphasizing the positive role men can play in sexual decision-making and healthy and equitable relationships. Slideshows were developed in-house and include bilingual and culturally sensitive messages and images. The slideshows and videos reach an average of 30 people per day, 7000 per year. Short surveys were voluntarily completed by a daily sample of clients to monitor the number of people who watched the show, learned something new, and/or were motivated to take an active role in supporting their own or their partner’s health. Focus groups and one-on-one interviews with waiting room participants provided additional data on comprehension of content, slide design, aesthetics, and cultural sensitivity. As a result of viewing the slideshow, participants reported an increase in knowledge, support, and motivation to protect their own and their partner's reproductive health. Participants also reported a sense of appreciation for the slideshow as it made their waiting time feel shorter and more enjoyable. The waiting room project will be expanded to run in client waiting rooms throughout other PPNYC centers as well.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:
• Describe three ways that male partners can play a role in supporting their own and partner's reproductive health
• Develop positive messages about men's shared and mutual responsibility for sexual decisions and healthy and equitable relationships
• Utilize or adapt technology to educate and motivate male partners and make health facilities male-friendly

Keywords: Education, Health Centers

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

Handout (.ppt format, 1102.0 kb)