California's Male Involvement Program (MIP), initiated by the Office of Family Planning in 1996, is designed to mobilize adolescent and young adult males (12-24) to play an active part in preventing pregnancy. Reaching beyond the traditional confines of sex education, the program uses a variety of interventions (tutoring, job training, and cultural awareness), delivered in diverse settings (detention centers, alternative schools, and migrant camps) to engage young men in preventing unintended fatherhood.
A statewide evaluation of the program included a pre-post survey of males to assess their attitudes toward pregnancy, contraception and parenting (n=1,111). Despite substantial improvements in their knowledge regarding pregnancy risk and birth control, and an increase in their use of contraception, participants reported having mixed feelings about what a pregnancy would symbolize in their lives. While 76% of males who are sexually experienced reported that they do not want their partners to be pregnant, over half feel a pregnancy would bring more respect from friends, and 40% would feel happy if they were to get someone pregnant.
Focus groups with over 100 participants from 25 MIP sites throughout California explored why young men experience a range of feelings toward pregnancy. Findings reveal that future life options, family support and peer pressure influence participants' attitudes toward early parenting. A better understanding of the social forces that shape adolescent males' attitudes is vital to the success of teen pregnancy prevention efforts.
Learning Objectives: 1. Better understand the reproductive knowledge, attitudes and practices of young men participating in California's Male Involvement Program. 2. Describe the social factors that influence adolescent males' attitudes toward pregnancy and early fatherhood
Keywords: Male Reproductive Health, Family Planning
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.