“Wise Guy's “ a reproductive health education curriculum for teenage males in underserved communities in rural South Dakota

Wise Guy's “ a reproductive health education curriculum for teenage males in underserved communities in rural South Dakota

BACKGROUND: The Male Health Program serves males, ages 8 – young adult, in the Rapid City area who are at high risk for participating in risky behaviors and who experience physical and mental health problems due to multiple needs – including extreme poverty, family history of poor health, parental abuse and/or neglect, substance abuse, chaotic lifestyles, and violent home situations.

METHODS The Male Health Program is utilizing the Social Cognitive Theory of health behavior as the theoretical rationale for the chosen program approach. According to this theory, an individual's behavior is uniquely determined by each of these three factors. The Male Health Program seeks to positively impact health promotion and prevention behavior (i.e., reducing risky behavior and improving decision making and responsibility) among boys and young men through health advocacy/case management services, abstinence-based education, therapeutic counseling, life skills training, role modeling, and mentoring. The Male Health Program utilizes a multifaceted approach that encompasses six components: (1) Reproductive and other health education (2) Health Promotion and Prevention, which includes health-focused case management/advocacy services that link program participants with appropriate medical, dental, optical, and counseling services in the community (3) Therapeutic Counseling, Treatment, and Support (4) Family/School Involvement, which includes working closely with families and school personnel for reinforcement of program objectives;