In order to maintain the downward trend in California's teen pregnancy rate, in light of the projected boom in the state's adolescent population by the year 2005, communities must continue to prioritize adolescent pregnancy prevention. Recognizing the important role that males play, the State Office of Family Planning initiated the Male Involvement Program (MIP) in 1996. In its fourth year of implementation, 25 community-based agencies use a wide range of interventions to engage and empower young men in preventing unintended fatherhood.
A statewide evaluation of the program assessed males' knowledge, attitudes and behavior surrounding sex, contraception, pregnancy and parenting (n=10,132). The analysis revealed that 92% of respondents 18 or older are sexually experienced, and six times more likely than younger respondents (15-17 years) to have a child. Older males were consistently more knowledgeable about pregnancy risk and legal issues regarding sex, yet less likely than younger males to have used a method of birth control at last intercourse. These differences highlight the need to adopt age-appropriate pregnancy prevention interventions.
The MIP has implemented several effective strategies. Hands-on activities, such as sporting events and field trips, attract younger males, while discussion groups, job training and placement, and cultural awareness are geared toward older males.
These evaluation findings offer valuable insight into the different needs of younger versus older adolescent males, and strategies to successfully tailor interventions to reach age-specific groups.
Learning Objectives: 1. Better understand the differences in sexual risk taking behavior between younger and older adolescent males. 2. Identify age-appropriate and effective strategies to engage males in teen pregnancy prevention efforts
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.