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Linda M. Frazier, MD, MPH and Deborah B. Fromer, MPH. Obstetrics and Gynecology and Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Kansas School of Medicine, 1010 N. Kansas, Wichita, KS 67214, 316-293-1880, dfromer@kumc.edu
Cultural factors, the structure of our health care delivery system, existing sources of reproductive health education, and maternity protection legislation may limit men’s access to reproductive health information. But a man’s family history of genetic disorders or his lifestyle choices and hazardous exposures can increase his risk for fertility problems, his partner’s risk for poor pregnancy outcomes and his children’s risk for congenital health problems. Therefore, limited knowledge and awareness of reproductive health among men may not be good for women and children. In this study, a questionnaire was completed by 208 male college students. Most men (77.3%) believed that smoking affects fertility among women, but only half (53.8%) knew that cigarettes can lower a man’s sperm count (P=0.013). One in four men did not know that toxic chemicals can alter sperm chromosomes, and only 54% knew that miscarriages have been associated with a father’s hazardous exposures. Only 39.4% knew that a woman should begin taking folic acid before conceiving. Men’s most commonly reported source of health information was the media, followed by family and friends and school. The medical profession was only the fourth most common source of health information among the men. Men had very positive attitudes about planning for a healthy pregnancy. Previous research has shown that men and women often share decision-making about reproductive and family health matters. These findings suggest that there may be an untapped potential for reproductive health promotion among men and that this could lead to improved health for women and children.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Male Reproductive Health, Birth Outcomes
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.