Role of masculinity and the sexual health needs of male university students

Introduction: Males are more likely to engage in behaviors that put them at risk for STIs. Part of males' increased likelihood to engage in health-compromising behaviors can be attributed to pressures to conform to values of masculinity. Not engaging in healthy behaviors and not seeking health information are ways for men to perform masculinity. Young adult males represent an underserved yet important population for STI prevention.

Purpose: To describe the sexual health needs and interests of young adult males.

Methods: We distributed a sexual health checklist to a convenience sample (n=47) of male students at a large Southern University.

Results: Respondents expressed interest in and a need for sexual health information and resources. More than one-half of respondents indicated interest in 12 of the 17 topics. At least 60% of participants were interested in learning more about the transmission, signs, symptoms, and consequences of STIs; where to get tested for STIs, access health information, and get condoms; and in more information on prostate and testicular cancer, including testicular self-examinations.

Conclusions: Male university students have unanswered sexual health questions and express interest in having access to targeted information and interventions. To improve the health and sexual responsibility of college-aged males, sexual health interventions should address specific sexual health needs as well as integrate an understanding of and a deconstruction of gender roles, ideologies, and social norms.