APHA
Back to Annual Meeting Page
 
American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
5017.0: Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - Board 2

Abstract #110236

Promoting gender sensitivity among boys in Egypt

Cynthia Green, PhD1, Mona Selim, MS, MPH2, Amel Gamal2, and Ola Mandil2. (1) Monitoring and Evaluation Department, CEDPA, 1400 16th St, NW, Suite 100, Washington, DC 20036, (202) 939-2690, cgreen@cedpa.org, (2) CEDPA/Egypt Country Office, 53, Manial Street, Suite 500, Manial El Rodah, Cairo, 11451, Egypt

Background: The New Visions Program, a nonformal education program for boys and young men aged 12-20, was implemented in 11 governorates of Egypt during 2002-2004. The program's objectives were to increase the reproductive health knowledge and gender sensitivity of young men and encourage the development of key life skills. Over a six-month period participants attended 64 educational sessions taught by trained facilitators in youth centers. Objective: To determine whether participants in the training program experienced changes in self-expression, gender sensitivity, reproductive health knowledge, and life skills. Methods: A 2004 evaluation study in four governorates was based on a survey of 2,314 program participants before the course and 2,224 following the course. Of these, 1,477 records were matched for individuals; these records form the basis of the analysis. Results: Respondents reported increased self-confidence, improved communication skills and greater ability to deal with anger and stress. Knowledge of contraceptive methods and HIV/AIDS increased significantly. Attitudes on traditional gender norms and roles began to break down. For example, the proportion of respondents considered family decisionmaking to be a joint responsibility rose from 71% at baseline to 93% at endline. The proportion of respondents who thought a husband was justified in hitting his wife if she answers back declined from 57% at baseline to 26% at endline. Nevertheless, some unfavorable attitudes remained at program's end. For example, 35% of the respondents still thought that boys and girls should be treated differently in regard to freedom of movement outside the house.

Learning Objectives:

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Gender

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

Impact of Cultural Beliefs and Traditions on Health

The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA