259526 Male knowledge of emergency contraception (EC) and influence on female partner's use

Monday, October 29, 2012 : 2:30 PM - 2:45 PM

Adam Cohen, MPH , School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Marianne Bruno, MPH , Planning Department, La Clinica de La Raza, Inc., Oakland, CA
Megan Grimm, MPH , Ryan Residency Training Program, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
Angela Chen, MD, MPH , Ob/Gyn Clinic, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Background: While hormonal prevention of pregnancy has traditionally been a woman's responsibility, emergency contraception (EC) offers an opportunity for male involvement in contraception. However, there is limited research on men's knowledge, attitudes, and practices surrounding EC. Nonetheless, research supports educating men about EC in order to improve contraceptive use. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to better understand men's EC knowledge and how such knowledge affects partner utilization. Insight into knowledge deficits and/or attitudinal barriers will allow for more appropriate outreach to decrease unintended pregnancies. Methods: Pre-test and three-month post-test interviews were facilitated at two UCLA health care sites. Men age ≥ 18 could participate if (1) they had a female partner age > 18 and (2) both partners desired pregnancy prevention for six months. Seventy-two participants were randomized to three possible groups. Group 1 received no EC education. Group 2 received EC education. Group 3 received EC education and advance provision of EC. Results: Men have a limited understanding of how to obtain EC, its purpose, and its mechanisms. However, post-test analysis reveals that with increased knowledge, men are more supportive of partner EC use. Advance provision of EC to men had no effect on partner utilization. Conclusions: This research suggests that men are interested in discussing contraception with their partners. However, differing levels of knowledge between men and women may have negative outcomes on EC decision-making. Improving the male knowledge gap and men's involvement in contraceptive decision-making may be an important tool in preventing unintended pregnancies.

Learning Areas:
Advocacy for health and health education
Communication and informatics
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs
Provision of health care to the public
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Describe male knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to emergency contraception. Compare varying levels of intervention on knowledge change about emergency contraception. Evaluate the effect of advance provision on partners’ emergency contraception utilization. Explain how men can play a role in contraceptive decision-making and pregnancy prevention.

Keywords: Sexual Behavior, Contraceptives

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have experience working in sexual and reproductive health education and program management, and directly oversaw the staff and data collection for this study.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3365.0: Emergency contraception: new research and new challenges