Title: Males' use of public health department family planning services.

POPLINE Document Number: 108642

Author(s):

Glasser M

Source citation:

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH, 1990 May;80(5):611-2.

Abstract:

The family planning service of the Winnebago County Public Health Department in Rockford, Illinois, long focused almost exclusively upon female clients, consistent with national trends. A condom distribution service for males was implemented, with condom availability advertised in brochures and the newspaper. Males had to be at least 13 years old to receive condoms. All males requesting condoms or visiting with their partner over a six-month period of data collection were asked to complete a questionnaire or be interviewed. 207 males responded, 74% of condom acceptors and 78% of males visiting with their partner. Condom acceptors were younger than males in the other group, more likely to be single, of lower educational level, and lived nearer to the health department. They reported a younger age of first intercourse, 12.7 years compared to 14.4, with more than 47% of condom acceptors being sexually active by age 12 compared to 26.2% of males accompanying their partners. At first sexual intercourse, 60% of all males reported using no contraception. Almost 66% of condom acceptors were repeat visitors to the service, more than 40% had visited within one month, and almost 42% reported the service as their sole source for condoms. The free provision of condoms, a friend's suggestion, and that no questions were asked by service providers were cited as the main reasons for using the service. 60% of males visiting the clinic with their partner did so for the first time, and 25% had used the condom distribution service. 72-77% reported they would buy condoms from the service if necessary or share in expenses for services. Both groups reported being satisfied with health department services. Finally, more than 55% of the respondents expressed interest in additional services including medical examinations, STD programs, and support for adolescent fathers.

Keywords:

Illinois
United States
Evaluation Report
Condom
Clinical Distribution
Public Health
Government Programs
Family Planning Clinic Attendance
Men
Developed Countries
North America
Americas
Evaluation
Barrier Methods
Contraceptive Methods
Contraception
Family Planning
Distributional Activities
Program Activities
Programs
Organization and Administration
Health
Family Planning Program Evaluation
Family Planning Programs
Demographic Factors
Population