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Background: Breast cancer (BC) is a public health problem that affects many populations worldwide. Women's health care behavior, including seeking mammography screening, might be affected by men, especially in conservative Arab societies. Few studies have investigated men's behavior toward mammography for female relatives. The main aims of this study were (i) to evaluate men's knowledge about mammography screening and (ii) to assess men's behavior toward women regarding mammogram screening and the factors influencing their behavior., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among male residents of the five main geographic areas of Saudi Arabia. Data were obtained with a self-administered questionnaire. In addition to sociodemographic data, the questionnaire assessed respondents' general knowledge about mammograms, their behavior toward female family members who use mammography, and their perceptions about awareness campaigns., Results: A total of 9691 male respondents were included in the study. The majority (79%) recommended mammography to their female family members. Multiple factors were significantly associated with men recommending mammograms, including age (p <0.01), education (p <0.01), employment status (p <0.01), and region (p <0.01). Only 33.8% of the participants had a high knowledge score about mammography. Approximately 45% of respondents reported that BC awareness campaigns were weak, while 48% were not aware of BC screening programs., Conclusions: Despite their positive behavior in recommending mammograms to female relatives, men exhibited a notable lack of knowledge about mammography. Establishing national programs and educational campaigns for men to explain the benefits of screening and access to free mammography are essential., .

We have tracked belief in the effectiveness of HIV treatment as prevention (TasP) among Australian gay and bisexual men (GBM) since 2013. National, online cross-sectional surveys of GBM were conducted every 2 years during 2013-2019. Trends and associations were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Data from 4,903 survey responses were included. Belief that HIV treatment prevents transmission increased from 2.6% in 2013 to 34.6% in 2019. Belief in the effectiveness of TasP was consistently higher among HIV-positive participants than other participants. In 2019, higher levels of belief in TasP were independently associated with university education, being HIV-positive, using pre-exposure prophylaxis, knowing more HIV-positive people, being recently diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and use of post-exposure prophylaxis. Belief that HIV treatment prevents transmission has increased substantially among Australian GBM, but remains concentrated among HIV-positive GBM, those who know HIV-positive people, and GBM who use antiretroviral-based prevention.

Introduction: Most Indian studies on menstruation include only girls/women as participants, making it a 'women's' topic. This exclusion of adolescent boys fails to understand menstruation as a social epidemiological entity with existing gender inequalities. For engaging boys to play a meaningful role in improving women's health, studying their knowledge, beliefs regarding topics such as menstruation and socioeconomic characteristics influencing their menstruation-related experiences need attention. Addressing this is an essential step for reducing gender disparities in adolescent health. Thus, we explore boys' knowledge, beliefs and attitudes regarding menstruation and the impact of social determinants on their menstruation-related experiences., Methods: A sequential mixed-methods study comprising 21 semi-structured interviews, 5 Focus Group Discussions and 12 key respondent interviews; followed by a cross-sectional survey of 744 boys from Nashik district, India was conducted. We employed thematic analysis for qualitative data and multivariable regression to model risk ratios for outcomes., Results: An amalgam of curiosity and awkwardness regarding menstruation was observed. Many lacked accurate knowledge and possessed misinformation. Social and individual-level determinants influenced boys' menstruation related experiences. Fully adjusted models revealed that being admitted in private unaided schools; having mothers with at least a college education; and comfort with teacher positively influenced boys'knowledge, attitudes and beliefs (incidence rate ratios at 95% CI: 2.67 [1.02, 6.95], p < 0 0.05; 3.16 [1.35, 7.38], p < .05 and 1.92 [1.24, 2.99],p < .01, respectively)., Conclusion: Our study highlights the need of improving Indian boys' understanding and beliefs about menstruation by addressing the social determinants that influence their menstruation-related experiences., (Copyright © 2020 The Foundation for Professionals in Services for Adolescents. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Although fertility is a couple-based outcome, fertility studies typically include far fewer males than females. We know little about which factors facilitate or inhibit male participation in fertility research. In this study we aimed to explore factors that influence male participation in fertility research among North American couples trying to conceive., Methods: We conducted a qualitative research study of male participation in Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO), a prospective preconception cohort of couples actively trying to conceive in Canada and the United States. Between January-August 2019, we carried out 14 online one-on-one in-depth interviews and one online focus group of males and females with varying levels of participation. The in-depth interviews included females who enrolled in PRESTO but declined to invite their male partners to participate (n = 4), males who enrolled in PRESTO (n = 6), and males who declined to participate in PRESTO (n = 4). The focus group included 10 males who enrolled in PRESTO. We analyzed the transcriptions using inductive content analysis., Results: Male and female participants perceived that fertility is a women's health issue and is a difficult topic for men to discuss. Men expressed fears of infertility tied to masculinity. However, men were motivated to participate in fertility research to support their partners, provide data that could help others, and to learn more about their own reproductive health., Conclusions: Male participation in fertility studies will improve our understanding of male factors contributing to fertility and reproductive health issues. Results indicate a need for more education and health communication on male fertility to normalize male participation in fertility and reproductive health research. Men are much less likely than women to participate in research on fertility and pregnancy. However, it is important for men to participate in fertility research so that we gain a better understanding of male factors that impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes. In this qualitative study, we interviewed men and women from Canada and the United States who were trying to become pregnant to understand why men choose to participate in fertility research, why men choose not to participate in fertility research, and why women choose not to invite their male partners to participate in fertility research. We found that both men and women believe fertility is a woman's health issue. Men find it difficult to talk about pregnancy and fertility and have fears of infertility tied to masculinity. However, men are motivated to participate in fertility research to support their partners, to help others, and to learn more about their own reproductive health.

Introduction: Male involvement in maternal and child health is a practice wherein fathers and male community members actively participate in caring for women and supporting their family to access better health services. There is positive association between male involvement and better maternal and child health outcomes. However, the practice is not always practiced optimally, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where women may not have access to economic resources and decision-making power., Aim: This study investigates how key stakeholders within the health system in Uganda engage with the 'male involvement' agenda and implement related policies. We also analyzed men's perceptions of male involvement initiatives, and how these are influenced by different political, economic, and organizational factors., Methodology: This is a qualitative study utilizing data from 17 in-depth interviews and two focus group discussions conducted in Kasese and Kampala, Uganda. Study participants included men involved in a maternal health project, their wives, and individuals and organizations working to improve male involvement; all purposively selected., Result: Through thematic analysis, four major themes were identified: 'gaps between policy and practice', 'resources and skills', 'inadequate participation by key actors', and 'types of dissemination'. These themes represent the barriers to effective implementation of male involvement policies. Most health workers interviewed have not been adequately trained to provide male-friendly services or to mobilize men. Interventions are highly dependent on external aid and support, which in turn renders them unsustainable. Furthermore, community and religious leaders, and men themselves, are often left out of the design and management of male involvement interventions. Finally, communication and feedback mechanisms were found to be inadequate., Conclusion: To enable sustainable behavior change, we suggest a 'bottom-up' approach to male involvement that emphasizes solutions developed by or in tandem with community members, specifically, fathers and community leaders who are privy to the social norms, structures, and challenges of the community.

This article explores minority migrant men's attitudes towards female genital mutilation (FGM), and how these attitudes can be used to develop strategies to engage men in the eradication of FGM. Based on interviews and focus group discussions, the article finds that men's attitudes can be enabling, disabling or neutral: the identification of and variations between these need to be taken into account when developing strategies to engage men in the eradication of FGM. There is currently a window of opportunity for involving minority migrant men in the prevention of FGM and in the challenging of a minority migrant gender regime.

Background: Afghanistan has high maternal and infant mortality which is in part driven by high fertility and low modern contraceptive use. Using modern contraceptive methods can reduce maternal and infant mortality, however there are several barriers to modern contraceptive use in Afghanistan. Married men have the potential to hinder or facilitate their wives' contraceptive use. Internally displaced persons (IDP), a growing population in Afghanistan, are rarely included in reproductive health research. We explored whether married men's, including IDPs', gender-related attitudes and other factors were associated with reported modern contraceptive use to inform programming to meet reproductive health needs of married couples., Methods: Cross-sectional study using data from 885 married men determined to have contraceptive need in seven Afghan provinces. We explored associations between sociodemographic factors, IDP status, wives' involvement in household decision-making and men's attitudes towards intimate partner violence (IPV) with reported modern contraceptive use using logistic regression analysis., Results: Most men (78%) had ≥2 children, 60% reported any formal education, and 30% reported being IDPs. Only 38% of married men and 24% of IDPs with contraceptive need reported using modern contraception with their wives. Most (80% overall, 63% of IDPs) reported their wives' involvement in some/all household decisions, while 47% overall and 57% of IDPs reported IPV was justified in one or more listed circumstances. In bivariate analysis, men responding that IPV was not justified in any listed circumstance were more likely and IDPs less likely to report modern contraceptive use. In multivariable analysis, involvement by wives in household decision-making (AOR 2.57; 95% CI: 1.51, 4.37), owning a radio and/or television (AOR 1.69; 95% CI: 1.10, 2.59), having more children, age, and province of interview were independently associated with reported modern contraceptive use, while IDP status was not., Conclusions: Our findings reflect positive associations between wives' participation in household decisions and mass media exposure (television/radio ownership) with reported modern contraceptive use. Reproductive health initiatives engaging men to promote communication within couples and through mass media channels may further increase modern contraceptive use and advance Afghanistan's family planning goals. As fewer IDPs owned a radio/television, additional outreach methods should be tested for this group.

Background: Maternal death remains a public health burden in the developing countries including Nigeria and the major causes are pregnancy related. Lack of male involvement in pregnancy related care is one of the contributing factors. Previous studies on male involvement focused on family planning services and were majorly targeted at women. This study, therefore, was carried out to assess the knowledge, perception and involvement of male partners in pregnancy related care among married men in Ibadan, Nigeria., Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted using a four-stage sampling technique to select 367 married men in an urban community in Ibadan. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on the knowledge, perception and involvement of respondents regarding pregnancy related care. Responses to questions on knowledge of pregnancy related care were converted to a 33-point scale. Scores greater than or equal to the mean knowledge score (26.2) were categorized as good knowledge of pregnancy related care. Similarly, responses to involvement in pregnancy related care questions were converted to a 24-point scale with scores greater than or equal to the mean (15.1) classified as good involvement in pregnancy related care. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and association between qualitative variables was established using Chi-square test at p < 0.05., Results: Sixty-three percent had good knowledge of pregnancy related care. Majority believed that they had roles to play in their partners' care during pregnancy (89.9%), labor and delivery (92.9%), and in newborn care (97.5%). Overall, 56.9% had good involvement in pregnancy related care. About 20% followed their partners to antenatal care (19.6%) and postnatal (19.9%) clinics. A significantly higher proportion of respondents with good knowledge accompanied their partners for antenatal care (p = 0.008) and postnatal care clinic (p = 0.014); participated in birth preparedness (p < 0.001) and assisted with newborn care (p < 0.001). Job demands, social stigma and long waiting time at the health facilities were reasons highlighted for non-involvement in pregnancy related care., Conclusions: The study revealed gaps in knowledge and involvement in pregnancy related care. There is a need for reproductive health policy review to strongly emphasize the need for involvement of male partners in reproductive health issues including pregnancy related care.

Infertility affects one in eight couples in the US, yet many couples report feeling blindsided by the diagnosis. Lack of awareness about infertility can lead to missed opportunities for prevention, delays in diagnosis, and greater emotional distress when a diagnosis is made. This paper reports on the results of interviews with 54 American women experiencing infertility, conducted via phone between 2013 and 2015 with participants from across the country. The interviews explored whether differences in infertility awareness were related to patient trajectories for time to diagnosis and initiation of treatment. Interview data indicated a significant lack of informational resources for these women concerned about fertility. Older participants expressed regret that they were not educated about age-related fertility decline, while patients with infertility secondary to medical conditions often reported delays in diagnosis and lack of counseling about fertility implications. Participants' data also revealed that infertility was consistently absent from sex education curricula and that minorities may be more likely to experience delayed diagnosis of infertility and lack of appropriate fertility counseling. These findings suggest that the inequitable distribution of health information and education about reproduction is one mechanism by which experiences of infertility can become racially stratified.

Background: Men in northern Nigeria are considered the leaders and ultimate decision makers, including decisions about health-related behaviours of their wives and children. Yet many men in the region consider pregnancy and childbirth to be in the woman's domain (even if she cannot make related decisions), and may not see a need to educate themselves on the issues. These dynamics directly influence demand for, and utilization of, maternal, newborn, and child health services. This study examines an intervention that educated married men in northern Nigeria about health issues related to pregnancy, labour, delivery, and the postpartum period, as well as newborn and child health, through participation in male support groups. The curriculum also included interpersonal relationship and household decision making, with an emphasis on the need for men to give their wives standing approval to seek health services as needed, for themselves and their children., Methods: We conducted 12 focus group discussions with married men in Kaduna and Katsina states in northern Nigeria - half with men who had participated in the male support groups and half with men from areas that the intervention had not reached. Analysis was thematic, focusing on participants' perceptions of the male support groups, the benefits of the intervention, and enablers and barriers to support group participation., Results: Perceptions of the male support groups were overwhelmingly positive. Participants internalized important messages they learned, which influenced their decisions related to the health of their wives and children. Some take it upon themselves to educate others in their communities about what they learned, and many say they see changes at the community level, with more utilization of maternal, newborn, and child health services., Conclusions: In the northern Nigeria context, educating men about danger signs of pregnancy, labour, delivery, newborn, and child health, is crucial to improving maternal and newborn health outcomes. Our intervention was successful not only in educating men, but also in converting some into advocates such that the effect of the intervention went beyond participants to the community. Programmes that aim to improve health-service utilization in northern Nigeria should consider scaling up this, or similar, interventions.

Background: South Africa faces numerous reproductive challenges that include high rates of unplanned and adolescent pregnancies. The uptake and utilization of family planning services and modern contraception methods depend on numerous factors. The male partner plays a key role in reproductive health but data on this topic are outdated or have a predominant HIV prevention focus. The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of male partners on family planning and contraceptive (FP/C) uptake and use within the contemporary South African setting, and to identify further areas of exploration., Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in a community and healthcare provision setting in the eThekwini District in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. Data were collected from twelve community-based focus group discussions (n = 103), two healthcare providers focus group discussions (n = 16), and eight key informant individual in-depth interviews. Following a constructionist paradigm and using the health utilization behaviour model, data were analysed using thematic analysis, allowing a robust and holistic exploration of the data., Results: The data from this study revealed the complex and evolving role that male partners play in FP/C uptake and use within this setting. Key themes from the data elucidated the dual nature of male involvement in FP/C use. Culturally influenced gender dynamics and adequate understanding of FP/C information were highlighted as key factors that influenced male attitudes and perceptions about contraceptive use, whether positively or negatively. Male opposition was attributed to limited understanding; misunderstandings about side-effects; male dominance in relationships; and physical abuse. These factors contributed to covert or discontinued use by female partners. Pathways identified through which male partners positively influenced FP/C uptake and access include: social support, adequate information, and shared responsibility., Conclusions: Understanding the role that male partners play in FP/C uptake and use is important in preventing unintended pregnancies and improving family planning policy and service delivery programmes. By identifying the barriers that male partners present, appropriate strategies can be implemented. Equally important is identifying how male partners facilitate and promote adherence and use, and how these positive strategies can be incorporated into policy to improve the uptake and use of FP/C.

Background: Greater paternal engagement is positively associated with improved access to and utilization of maternal services. Despite evidence that male involvement increased uptake of maternal and child services, studies show that few men are participating in MNCH programs. Community leaders have long been engaged in public health promotion in rural settings and have been shown to mobilize communities to enhance changes in cultural practices related to public health. With the ultimate goal of increasing men's involvement in maternal health, this study seeks to understand men's perceptions of community and health systems barriers to maternal access and usage of skilled care in rural Edo, Nigeria., Methods: This qualitative study involved the analysis of data collected from community conversations with male elders in Etsako East and Esan South East Local Government Areas of Edo State, Nigeria. Community conversations participants (n = 128) comprised of elders between the ages of 50-101. A total of 9 community conversations were conducted. Discussions were audio recorded, transcribed and imported into Atlas.ti 6.2 for content analysis., Results: Men's perceptions of barriers to maternal use of skilled care are presented in two overarching themes: community systems and health systems. Three sub themes were generated as community systems barriers to maternal healthcare use, they include: gender roles, traditional treatment and policy changes. Three sub themes emerged under health system barriers and they include: cost of health facilities, dissatisfaction with facilities and distance from facilities., Conclusion: Findings suggest that community elders are not only in a good position to influence men's behavior, they are also a source of information to policy makers on strategies to overcome barriers to maternal health, especially at the community level. Furthermore, community elders need support to enact regulations that will promote men's involvement in maternal health, thereby increasing maternal use of skilled care.

Sub-Saharan African immigrant (SSAI) men have significant influence on the health-seeking behavior including cervical cancer screening uptake by their female partners/wives. We conducted a qualitative descriptive study with 21 SSAI men to explore knowledge, perceptions, and support related to cervical screening. Participants were aged 36 ± 9 years, college educated (88%), and 53% have lived in the U.S. > 5 years. Three themes emerged; inadequate cervical cancer knowledge, willingness and strategies for support, and shared versus autonomous decision making for screening. Social structure with emphasis on male leadership could be leveraged in cervical cancer screening promotion for SSAI women.

Maternal health can be improved if men give support to their partners. This study determined the socio-demographic and structural predictors of male partner involvement in maternal health in Hohoe, Ghana. A descriptive, cross-sectional design was adopted, collecting data through self-administered questionnaires from a multistage sample of 193 respondents and analysing using Stata version 14 at the 0.05 level. Age groups 31-40 years and 41-51 years were 6 times [AOR=6.28, p=0.04] and 4 times [AOR=4.32 (95%, p=0.08] respectively more likely to get involved in maternal health issues compared to age group 20-30 years. Married men were 63% less likely to be involved in maternal issues compared to single men [AOR=0.37, p=0.08]. Men with tertiary and senior high school levels of education were 9 times [AOR=9.13, p=0.001] and 5 times [AOR=4.52, p=0.01] respectively more likely to be involved in maternal health than men with a basic level of education. Men with a high level of knowledge on maternal health were 4 times more likely to be involved in maternal health than men with a low level of knowledge [AOR=4.14, p=0.002]. Strategies to improve male partner involvement in maternal health should target the younger, the legally married, and male partners with a low level of education.

Background: Rukwa Region has the highest maternal mortality ratio, 860 deaths per 100,000 live births in Tanzania. The region has neonatal mortality rate of 38 deaths per 1,000 live births. Previous interventions to promote maternal and neonatal health targeted access to maternal services by removing financial barriers and increasing the number of health facilities. However, maternal service utilization remains very low, especially facility delivery. The proposed intervention was sought to address deep-rooted behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs, control beliefs, and knowledge empowerment to determine their effect on improving birth preparedness, male involvement, and maternal services utilization. The study tested the effectiveness of a Community-Based Continuous Training (CBCT) intervention that was based upon the theory of planned behavior and was sought to promote positive behaviors., Methods: The study used a quasi-experimental design. The design consisted of pre- and postintervention assessments of two nonequivalent groups. Two districts were selected conveniently using criteria of high home birth. A district to hold intervention was picked randomly. Study participants were expecting couples at gestation age of 24 weeks and below. After obtaining informed consents, participants were subjected to baseline assessment. Expecting couples in the intervention group had two training sessions and two encounter discussions. The three primary outcomes of the study were changes in the level of knowledge about birth preparedness, male involvement, and use of maternal services. Data were collected at preintervention, midintervention, and postintervention., Policy Implications of the Results: The aim of this paper was to describe the study protocol of a quasi-experimental study design to test the effectiveness of an interventional program on promoting positive behaviors on birth preparedness, male involvement, and maternal services utilization among expecting couples. This study has a potential to address the challenge of low birth preparedness, male involvement, and use of maternal health services in Rukwa Region.

Backgrounds: As HPV is a sexually transmitted virus, men are crucial in the prevention of cervical cancer, but research about men's awareness on cervical cancer is limited. Therefore, in this study, we investigated men's awareness toward women's cervical cancer, to thoroughly understand the viewpoints of men, and to emphasize the centrality of the role of men in the prevention of cervical cancer., Methods: A qualitative descriptive design was chosen to explore men's awareness of women's cervical cancer. Twelve men aged 20-58 were interviewed. Snowball sampling was conducted to recruit participants., Results: Most participants stated that they were not interested in women's health, and that they did not have much knowledge about cause and prevention of cervical cancer. They acknowledged that cervical cancer was different from other cancers, based on cause and prognosis of disease. The recognition of cervical cancer in participants varied widely depending on their relationship with women. Respondents' recognition of cervical cancer was classified into four types based on a Situational Awareness (SA) model including individual factors (knowledge about cervical cancer, interest in women's health) and system/task factors (relationship with women, men's responsibility)., Conclusion: This study is one of the few studies describing men's awareness on cervical cancer. Korean men's awareness level was low, and their concern and knowledge were not good. Some participants thought that cervical cancer can be treated, can be prevented, and is recognized as a disease of a female with men intervening. Our participants perceived that the role of men is necessary for the prevention of cervical cancer. Therefore, a strategy is needed to develop the awareness and knowledge of men on cervical cancer prevention. When planning cervical cancer education for men, phase and type-specific approaches are required, depending on perception level.

Research exploring the impact of circumcision on the sexual lives of men has failed to consider men's attitudes toward their circumcision status, which may, in part, help to explain inconsistent findings in the literature. The current study explored the potential relationship between attitudinal factors toward one's circumcision status, timing of one's circumcision, and sexual correlates. A total of 811 men (367 circumcised as neonates, 107 circumcised in childhood, 47 circumcised in adulthood, and 290 intact) aged 19-84 years (M = 33.02, SD = 12.54) completed an online survey. We assessed attitudes toward one's circumcision status, three domains of body image (Male Genital Image Scale, Body Exposure during Sexual Activities Questionnaire, Body Image Satisfaction Scale), and self-reported sexual functioning (International Index of Erectile Function). Men who were circumcised as adults or intact men reported higher satisfaction with their circumcision status than those who were circumcised neonatally or in childhood. Lower satisfaction with one's circumcision status-but not men's actual circumcision status-was associated with worse body image and sexual functioning. These findings identify the need to control for attitudes toward circumcision status in the study of sexual outcomes related to circumcision. Future research is required to estimate the number of men who are dissatisfied with their circumcision status, to explore the antecedents of distress in this subpopulation, and to understand the extent of negative sexual outcomes associated with these attitudes.

Background: Twenty years after acknowledging the importance of joint responsibilities and male participation in maternal health programs, most health care systems in low income countries continue to face challenges in involving men. We explored the reasons for men's resistance to the adoption of a more proactive role in pregnancy care and their enduring influence in the decision making process during emergencies., Methods: Ten focus group discussions were held with opinion leaders (chiefs, elders, assemblymen, leaders of women groups) and 16 in-depth interviews were conducted with healthcare workers (District Directors of Health, Medical Assistants in-charge of health centres, and district Public Health Nurses and Midwives). The interviews and discussions were audio recorded, transcribed into English and imported into NVivo 10 for content analysis., Results: As heads of the family, men control resources, consult soothsayers to determine the health seeking or treatment for pregnant women, and serve as the final authority on where and when pregnant women should seek medical care. Beyond that, they have no expectation of any further role during antenatal care and therefore find it unnecessary to attend clinics with their partners. There were conflicting views about whether men needed to provide any extra support to their pregnant partners within the home. Health workers generally agreed that men provided little or no support to their partners. Although health workers had facilitated the formation of father support groups, there was little evidence of any impact on antenatal support., Conclusions: In patriarchal settings, the role of men can be complex and social and cultural traditions may conflict with public health recommendations. Initiatives to promote male involvement should focus on young men and use chiefs and opinion leaders as advocates to re-orient men towards more proactive involvement in ensuring the health of their partners.

Background: There has been a growing realisation of the need to enhance men's inclusion in maternal and safe motherhood services, especially in low-income settings. However, empirical studies on the extent to which men are involved in maternal and safe motherhood services especially in poor inner-city communities are lacking. The purpose of this study was to describe the level of men's inclusion in maternal and safe-motherhood services in inner-city communities in Ghana, and to assess the barriers of men's involvement., Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted among a total of 256 randomly selected adult men in Chorkor, an inner-city fishing community in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. A multistage sampling strategy was used to select houses, households and respondents. Descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyse the data. Data analysis was done with the aid of SPSS version 20., Results: Although almost all (96.6%) respondents knew the meaning of family planning, as high as 236(92.2%) have never accompanied their wives/partners to clinics to seek family planning services. Also 242(94.5%) and 251(98%) of men, respectively, knew the importance of antenatal services and supervised delivery. However, only 114(44.5%) of men ever accompanied their wives/partners to seek skilled delivery services. Men's involvement was hindered by barriers such as attitude of health workers, long waiting time and socio-cultural beliefs., Conclusion: The study revealed a gap between men's awareness of the importance of maternal and safe motherhood services and their actual involvement in accessing these services with their female partners. There is a need to create a supportive environment that encourages men to be involved in maternal health services to help reduce maternal/neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Background: In low-middle income countries and other areas of poverty, menstrual hygiene management (MHM) can be problematic for women and girls. Issues include lack of knowledge about menstruation and MHM, and stigma around menstruation, also access to affordable and absorbent materials; privacy to change; adequate washing, cleaning and drying facilities; as well as appropriate and accessible disposal facilities. In order to effect change and tackle these issues, particularly in patriarchal societies, males may need to become advocates for MHM alongside women. However, little is known about their knowledge and attitudes towards menstruation, which may need addressing before they can assist in acting as advocates for change. The present study was undertaken to explore knowledge and attitudes about menstruation among adolescent boys across India, in order to gauge their potential to support their 'sisters'., Methods: The study was undertaken across three states in India, chosen a priori to represent the cultural and socio-economic diversity. Qualitative data using focus group discussions with 85 boys aged 13-17 years, from 8 schools, was gathered. Data were analysed using thematic analysis., Results: The results were organised into three main themes, reflecting the key research questions: boys' knowledge of menstruation, source of knowledge, and attitudes towards menstruation and menstruating girls. Knowledge comprised three aspects; biological function which were generally poorly understood; cultural rites which were recognized by all; and girls' behaviour and demeanour, which were noted to be withdrawn. Some boys learnt about puberty and menstruation as part of the curriculum but had concerns this was not in-depth, or was missed out altogether. Most gathered knowledge from informal sources, from overhearing conversations or observing cultural rituals. Few boys openly displayed a negative attitude, although a minority voiced the idea that menstruation is a 'disease'. Boys were mostly sympathetic to their menstruating sisters and wanted to support them., Conclusions: These findings provide some optimism that males can become advocates in moving forward the MHM agenda. The reasons for this are twofold: boys were keen for knowledge about menstruation, searching information out despite societal norms being for them to remain ignorant, they were also largely sympathetic to their menstruating sisters and fellow classmates and understanding of the issues surrounding the need for good MHM.

A large literature suggests that men and women differ in their self-reported mate preferences such that men place greater weight on physical attractiveness than women do, whereas women value financial prospects more than men. Yet, little research has addressed how these differences generalize to other contexts, such as modern online dating in which mate selection may largely depend on visual cues. Distinct from the sex differences observed in previous studies relying on self-reports, we found that men and women both used perceptions of health and attractiveness to select hypothetical partners based on photographs of their faces. Importantly, although people reliably identified others' wealth from their photographs, these perceptions did not influence men's or women's partner selections. Thus, men and women may select romantic partners similarly based on limited visual information.

Background: The increasingly common practice in high-income countries to delay childbearing to the fourth and fifth decades of life increases the risk of involuntary childlessness or having fewer children than desired. Older age also increases the risk of age-related infertility, the need for ART to conceive, and obstetric and neonatal complications. Existing research relating to childbearing focusses almost exclusively on women, and in public discourse declining fertility rates are often assumed to be the result of women delaying childbearing to pursue other life goals such as a career and travel. However, evidence suggests that the lack of a partner or a partner willing to commit to parenthood is the main reason for later childbearing., Objective and Rationale: To better understand men's contributions to childbearing decisions and outcomes, the literature pertaining to men's fertility-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours was reviewed., Search Methods: The electronic databases of Medline, Embase and PsycINFO were searched to identify investigations of men's knowledge, attitudes and behaviours relating to fertility, infertility, reproductive health or childbearing using relevant fertility keyword search terms. Studies were included if they had investigated factors associated with men's fertility-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours, had been conducted in a high-income country and were published in an English language peer-reviewed journal between January 2005 and August 2016., Outcomes: The search yielded 1349 citations. Of these, 47 papers representing 43 unique studies were included in the review. Where response rate was reported, it ranged between 13 and 94%. Studies varied in terms of research design; inclusion and exclusion criteria; recruitment strategies; adequacy of sample size; recruitment and retention rates and data collection tools. However, findings were consistent and indicate that men almost universally value parenthood, want and expect to become fathers, and aspire to have at least two children. Yet most men have inadequate knowledge about the limitations of female and male fertility and overestimate the chance of spontaneous and assisted conception. Perceptions of ideal circumstances in which to have children included being in a stable and loving relationship, having completed studies, secured a permanent job and a dependable income, having achieved personal maturity, and having a partner who desires children and is 'suitable' as a potential co-parent. Although all studies were conducted in high-income countries, between-country social and cultural differences may have influenced the findings relating to attitudes., Wider Implications: Men aspire to parenthood as much as women do but have limited knowledge about the factors that influence fertility. The gap between ideal biological and ideal social age for having children appears to be widening, narrowing the time frame in which parenthood can be achieved. This may lead to unfulfilled parenthood aspirations. The findings can inform government policies and public education strategies aimed to support childbearing during the most fertile years, reduce the personal and societal cost of infertility and ART use, and allow people to fulfil their parenthood goals., (© The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com)

Background: Men as the main decision makers in most of African families have an important role to play towards acceptance of family planning methods. This study sought to identify strategies used to engage men in family planning services and determine the extent to which men in Kibaha district in Tanzania accept these interventions., Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study using both quantitative and qualitative techniques. We used a questionnaire to interview a random sample of 365 of currently married or cohabiting men who had at least one child under the age of five years. We further conducted in-depth interviews with health workers involved in delivering reproductive health services as well as community dispensers of family planning commodities. Descriptive analysis was used to determine the extent to which men were engaged in family planning services. The data from the indepth interviews were analysed manually according to the predetermined themes, guided by the grounded theory to identify the existing strategies used to encourage male involvement in family planning services., Results: According to the key informants, strategies that are used to encourage men to engage in family planning services include invitations through their spouses, either verbally or by using partner notification cards, incorporating family planning messages during monthly meetings and community outreach reproductive health programs. Of 365 men responding to the questionnaire, only 31 (8.4%) said they were invited to accompany their spouses to family planning clinics. Among them, 71% (22/31) visited family planning clinics. A third (32%) of the respondents had heard of community health meetings and only 20.7% of them attended these meetings. More than a third (12/34) of men who attended these meeting asserted that family planning messages targeting men featured in the agenda and subsequently half of them visited health facilities for family planning services., Conclusions: Existing strategies such as invitations to clinics and community sensitization have shown to encourage men to engage in family planning services. However, these interventions reach few men and hence there is a need to rolling them up to improve uptake of family planning services.

Men have lower rates of HIV testing and higher rates of AIDS-related mortality compared to women in sub-Saharan Africa. To assess whether there is an opportunity to increase men's uptake of testing by correcting misperceptions about testing norms, we compare men's perceptions of their closest friend's HIV testing behaviors with the friend's actual testing self-report using a unique dataset of men sampled within their social networks (n = 59) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. We examine the accuracy and bias of perceptions among men who have tested for HIV (n = 391) and compare them to the perceptions among men who never tested (n = 432). We found that testers and non-testers did not differ in the accuracy of their perceptions, though non-testers were strongly biased towards assuming that their closest friends had not tested. Our results lend support to social norms approaches designed to correct the biased misperceptions of non-testers to promote men's HIV testing., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Objective: To explore men's knowledge of the negative consequences of female genital mutilation (FGM) to women's health in countries where this practice is performed., Methods: A qualitative methodology was used with an ethnomethodological approach. Both individual and group semi-structured interviews concerning FGM were conducted with 25 men, selected by triple sampling. A study presentation letter was provided to participants, together with an informed consent declaration. Permission was also procured to record the interviews in audio format. Data analysis was performed using the Atlas Ti7 software., Results: Those participants against FGM are aware of the range of complications this practice can cause, being able to identify physical, obstetric, psychological, sexuality and social consequences in women subjected to FGM. However, those men who are in favour display a general ignorance of the problems resulting from this practice., Conclusions: Participants from countries where FGM is performed who are against this practice are more aware of the negative consequences than those who claim to be in favour. The design of awareness-raising programmes and other tools to combat female genital mutilation must highlight the implications for women's and girls' health, and include family-targeted campaigns which involve men in the process of eradicating this practice., (Copyright © 2016 SESPAS. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.)

Background: Male partners have a strong influence on pregnant partners' health and their access to care. Their involvement is critical in the delivery and uptake of maternal healthcare services and improving maternal and child health outcomes., Aim: The study sought to determine male partners' views on their involvement in maternal healthcare services., Setting: The Makhado Municipality's Kutama, Madombidzha and Vleifontein clinics., Methods: A qualitative study design, which is exploratory, descriptive and contextual in nature, was used. The population comprised 15 men whose partners had been pregnant within the last 2 years. A non-probability, purposive sampling procedure was used. Data were collected via in-depth individual interviews using a voice recorder and an interview schedule guide. Tesch's open coding method was used to analyse data., Results: The findings revealed one major theme, namely that maternal health issues are viewed as a woman'sdomain; and three sub-themes: culture and participation in childbirth, male partners' employment status, and male partners' unwillingness to participate in maternal health issues., Conclusions: The involvement of male partners in maternal healthcare services, and further research in promoting this activity, should be proposed to policymakers.

Background: Men's attitude is very important in the adoption of methods of contraception and limiting the family size. Men represent half the world's population, but account for less than onethird of contraceptive use. Knowledge of men about vasectomy as contraceptive method is also limited. The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge of males about vasectomy in age group 25-50 years and to identify the factors affecting the knowledge of men regarding vasectomy., Methods: It was cross-sectional descriptive study. All the clients coming for vasectomy at Lahore General Hospital and Family Health Hospital were included in the study. Data was collected through questionnaire, which was entered in to computer using SPSS-17. Confidentiality of the data was ensured and verbal consent was obtained before data collection., Results: Majority (85.6%) of the men had adequate knowledge about vasectomy. Major source of knowledge, motivation and decision making regarding vasectomy were healthcare providers followed by friends and colleagues. Socio-demographic factors like age of the wife, education of men, income of men, media, friends and relatives showed association with knowledge about vasectomy., Conclusions: Almost all the respondents had formal education. Majority of the respondents had knowledge about vasectomy. Respondents acquired knowledge from health personnel, television, radio, newspapers, spouses and friends/colleagues. Misconception of the general population regarding vasectomy needs to be cleared and men should be involved actively in family planning programs. Health education program should be held at community level to educate people about the utilization of procedure.

Problem: Many interventions designed to promote safe sexual behaviors in teens focus on young women. Wise Guys is one curricular intervention designed to foster safe sexual practices in young men. This study assessed knowledge, attitude, and behavioral changes as the result of Wise Guys., Methods: This pre/posttest descriptive study measured changes in knowledge, attitudes, and sexual behaviors in 159 young men., Findings: This study detected limited knowledge and attitude changes but yielded statistically significant differences in safe sexual behaviors and likelihood to talk with parents or guardians about sexuality and dating., Conclusions: This study revealed important benefits of Wise Guys and proposed future mixed methods research to ensure that authentic teen voices inform programming. Nurses working with adolescents may find this information valuable as they address sexual health issues in their work., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

HIV prevention is increasingly focused on antiretroviral treatment of infected or uninfected persons. However, barrier methods like male condoms (MC) and female condoms (FC) remain necessary to achieve broad reductions in HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). Evidence grows suggesting that removal of basic obstacles could result in greater FC use and reduced unprotected sex in the general population. We conducted four annual cross-sectional surveys (2009-2012) of urban residents (N = 1614) in low-income neighborhoods of a northeastern U.S. city where prevalence of HIV and other STIs is high. Findings indicate slow FC uptake but also heterosexual men's willingness to use them. Factors associated with men's and women's FC use included positive FC attitudes, network exposure, and peer influences and norms. These results suggest that men can be supporters of FC, and reinforce the need for targeted efforts to increase FC use in both men and women for HIV/STI prevention.

Objective: The objective of this study is to use the Transtheoretical behavioral model to assess male involvement in family planning., Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Angolela-Tera District of Amhara Region from February 15 to March 14, 2008 on married men. Multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select the 770 study participants. The relationship of stage of change and decisional balance, self-efficacy and processes of change was assessed by ANOVA tests., Results: 225(30.5%) of the men were in the Precontemplation stage, 235(31.8%) were in the contemplation stage, 81(11.0%) were in preparation, 76(10.3%) were in action stage, and, 121(16.4%), were in the maintenance stage. Confidence increased across the stages while experiential and behavioral processes increased in the early stages and then decreased at a transition from action to maintenance stage. The pros were increased across the stages, the cons decreased and a crossover occurred prior to contemplation stage., Conclusion: The findings suggest that counselors need to understand that behavior change is a process that occurs in a series of stages and therefore can facilitate behavioral changes with various strategies. Health educators need to develop educational components that match stages of change., Practical Implications: Based on our results, programs aimed at promoting contraceptive prevalence for contraception should seek ways and means for increasing the pros and for increasing self-efficacy., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Assess the acceptability of HIV treatment as prevention and early antiretroviral treatment among gay and bisexual men in Australia and any changes in attitudes over time., Methods: National, online, cross-sectional surveys of gay and bisexual men were repeated in 2011 and 2013. Changes in attitudes to HIV treatment over time were assessed with multivariate analysis of variance. The characteristics of men who agreed that HIV treatment prevented transmission and thought that early treatment was necessary were identified with multivariate logistic regression., Results: In total, 2599 HIV-negative, untested and HIV-positive men participated (n = 1283 in 2011 and n = 1316 in 2013). Attitudes changed little between 2011 and 2013; most participants remained sceptical about the preventative benefits of HIV treatment. In 2013, only 2.6% of men agreed that HIV treatment prevented transmission; agreement was associated with being HIV-positive, having an HIV-positive regular partner, and having received HIV post-exposure prophylaxis. In contrast, 71.8% agreed that early antiretroviral treatment is necessary; younger men were more likely and HIV-positive men and participants with HIV-positive partners were much less likely to agree with this., Conclusions: Promoting the individual health benefits of HIV treatment rather than its preventative benefits remains more acceptable to Australian gay and bisexual men.

Background: The International Conference on Population Development held in Cairo in 1994 identified the importance of male involvement in reproductive health programs. Since then, there has been an increase in reproductive health initiatives that target both men and women in an attempt to fulfill the 5th Millenium Development Goal. Yet, while the benefits of male involvement have been acknowledged, there continues to be a challenge in creating a space for and engaging men in maternal health. This is problematic due to the role of men as the head of the household in many countries, especially developing countries, which suffer from higher rates of maternal mortality. Furthermore, men are important as partners, fathers and health care professionals and as such it is important to involve and engage with men in maternal health education, and antenatal care., Methods: The purpose of this study undertaken in two rural villages in southeastern Uganda, was twofold: firstly to understand men's current participation in antenatal, pregnancy care and childbirth and secondly to gain insight into both men and women's attitudes toward increased male involvement. Focus group discussions and semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect information from 35 men and women. The women were either pregnant or had been involved in a birth experience in the past 3 years and the men had wives who were pregnant or had given birth recently., Results: Men interviewed in the two villages believed that issues related to pregnancy and childbirth were the domain of women. Involvement tended to be confined (to removed) strictly to traditional gender roles, with men's main responsibility being provision of funds. The women, on the other hand, were interested in receiving more support from their husband through planning, attendance to antenatal care and physical presence in the vicinity of where the birth was taking place., Conclusion: This cross-sectional study has highlighted the space for increased male involvement and participation in maternal health, proposed recommendations and the need for community health education directed at men that engages them in this important area.

Objective: To explore the opinions of Mexican male adolescents regarding teenage pregnancy and analyze its association with sexual behavior., Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire among a conventional sample of male students (15-19 years old) in eight public schools in Morelos and Mexico City. Analyses include multivariate models to identify the association between opinions and sexual behaviors., Results: Overall, 68% agree that a teenage pregnancy is a negative event. In a hypothetical case, if a girlfriend got pregnant in this moment 56% would continue in the school whereas 18% would definitely abandon it. Those who affirm that a teenage pregnancy is something very bad have greater odds of using condoms (OR=1.8; p<0.05)., Conclusions: Male adolescents' views about teenage pregnancy are associated with some sexual behaviors; however their opinions reflect several contradictions. The design of surveys directed exclusively to explore male adolescents' opinions about reproductive health is urgent.

Background: Development of appropriate interventions to increase male involvement in pregnancy and childbirth is vital to strategies for improving health outcomes of women with obstetric complications. The objective was to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences of male involvement in their partners' healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth. The findings might inform interventions for increasing men's involvement in reproductive health issues., Methods: We conducted 16 in-depth interviews with men who came to the hospital to attend to their spouses/partners admitted to Mulago National Referral Hospital. All the spouses/partners had developed severe obstetric complications and were admitted in the high dependency unit. We sought to obtain detailed descriptions of men's experiences, their perception of an ideal "father" and the challenges in achieving this ideal status. We also assessed perceived strategies for increasing male participation in their partners' healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth. Data was analyzed by content analysis., Results: The identified themes were: Men have different descriptions of their relationships; responsibility was an obligation; ideal fathers provide support to mothers during childbirth; the health system limits male involvement in childbirth; men have no clear roles during childbirth, and exclusion and alienation in the hospital environment. The men described qualities of the ideal father as one who was available, easily reached, accessible and considerate. Most men were willing to learn about their expected roles during childbirth and were eager to support their partners/wives/spouses during this time. However, they identified personal, relationship, family and community factors as barriers to their involvement. They found the health system unwelcoming, intimidating and unsupportive. Suggestions to improve men's involvement include creating more awareness for fathers, male-targeted antenatal education and support, and changing provider attitudes., Conclusions: This study generates information on perceived roles, expectations, experiences and challenges faced by men who wish to be involved in maternal health issues, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth. There is discord between the policy and practice on male involvement in pregnancy and childbirth. Health system factors that are critical to promoting male involvement in women's health issues during pregnancy and childbirth need to be addressed.

An appreciation of the social, cultural and economic dimensions of gender and sexuality is important in increasing reproductive health service utilisation. This analysis of recent Mexican male immigrants in Southern California focuses on changing views of gender roles, masculinity and relationship dynamics in the context of migration in order to explain low levels of reproductive healthcare utilisation. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 23 men who had migrated from Mexico. Some men saw their migratory experience as empowering, both individually and within the couple context. Migration reinforced positive male qualities, such as being a good provider. However, for others, the levelling of economic power between immigrant couples challenged traditional male gender roles and threatened men's identities. Maintaining control and decision-making power, especially in reproduction, remained tenacious, especially among older men. In response to immigration, however, men's views of ideal family size and contraceptive method preferences had evolved. The migration process caused some divisions in family networks and aspirations of fatherhood as an expression of masculinity contributed to varying levels of contraceptive use. Recommendations are made on factors that may empower male clients more actively to seek reproductive healthcare in the context of more equitable couple decision-making.

This paper investigates the role that emotions related to local gender norms play in urban Mexican men's understandings of erectile dysfunction (ED) aetiology and drug treatment by analysing semi-structured interviews with 28 male urology patients. Analysing narrative data from our interviews, the paper examines how these men drew differently from locally intelligible ways of understanding health and masculinity to develop context-specific understandings of causes and potential treatment outcomes. Study participants' feelings of success or failure in life areas relating to the performance of 'responsible' masculinity, especially work and romance, strongly influenced understandings of ED aetiology and goals for drug treatment. Those who felt successful at being men collaborated with loved ones to adopt purely biological understandings of ED causation, while those who expressed negative emotions about their performances of masculinity viewed these feelings, as well as the structural and interpersonal problems that caused them, as key causes and consequences of dysfunction. I discuss how these different emotional experiences led to different ways of using medication, and the relevance of these findings for clinical practice.

There is growing evidence to suggest that men are at increased risk of premature death from a broad range of health conditions. With the government's mandate to reduce premature death, it is necessary to have an understanding of the health challenges faced by men. This article provides an overview of mortality data for men and women aged 15-64, with a focus on those aged 15-54, in England and Wales during 2011. Mortality data are viewed in relation to the main reasons for premature death in the male population. Initiatives aimed at addressing the health and social care needs of men are identified to raise awareness of the importance of targeting this population to reduce premature mortality.

One prominent pathway to sexual intimacy among college student populations is hooking up. Past research has largely compared men and women, with limited attention given to how men differ regarding involvement in hookups and their hookup behaviors. This study used a sample of 412 college men to examine the individual, social, relational, and family background correlates of (1) hooking up during a semester and (2) penetrative hookup encounters (e.g., oral sex, intercourse). Overall, 69% reported a hookup during the semester, with 73% of those who hooked up reporting penetrative hookups. Using logistic regression, men were more likely to hookup if they had an extraverted personality, were consuming more alcohol, and had previous hookup experience. They were less likely to hookup if they were more thoughtful about their relationship decisions and if they were in a stable, committed romantic relationship. Men also were more likely to engage in penetrative hookups only if they held more permissive attitudes towards sex and if they had previous penetrative hookup experience. Implications for intervention and research are discussed.

A qualitative study comprising 91 focus group discussions (FGDs) of adult married men and women and 21 key informant interviews (Klls) was conducted in Malawi in 2008. The purpose of the study was to explore the knowledge, perceptions and practices towards contraceptives and family planning. Data were analyzed using content analysis. The perceived effectiveness, physical health gains and socio-economic benefits of contraceptives and/or family planning were well recognized by the study participants. Covert use of contraceptives by women was despised by both men and women and considered a punishable offence. Women reported men as less likely to provide support for contraceptive use. A woman's own relatives were reported to be more likely to support contraceptive use, while her in-laws and friends identified as not as supportive. Concerns regarding adverse health effects of hormonal contraceptive use included vaginal bleeding and delayed return to fertility. Unwanted social or personal consequences were that vaginal bleeding or spotting as a consequence of hormonal contraceptive use limited women's availability to their male partners for sex, that a woman who was using contraceptives was not fulfilling her childbearing responsibilities and that contraceptive use promoted extramarital sex as there was no more fear of pregnancy. Having a wide range of contraceptives in health facilities or community sources, a supportive healthcare and supportive social network could improve contraceptive uptake.

This study explored, from a public health perspective, factors that contribute to inconsistent condom use by men in Curaçao through semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 21 heterosexual men. The findings show that there is an important disconnect between what is considered culturally appropriate sexual behaviour for men and women and condom use, that diverging from prescribed notions of masculinity and femininity in order to use condoms consistently is difficult, and that condom use is particularly problematic in the context of concurrent partnerships and sexual economic exchanges. Participants further reported that Caribbean family structures, whereby mothers assume the role as primary caregiver and fathers contribute biologically but, to a much lesser extent socially, also have an impact on condom use. Additionally, consistent condom use was reported to be impeded by a cultural taboo on talking seriously about sex and sexual health. In their totality, findings provide important input from men for the development of sexual health promotion interventions that are cognizant of the cultural context in which inconsistent condom use occurs, and that are geared not only to the individual level but also to the interpersonal and structural levels.

Introduction: The age-standardized mortality rate for cervical cancer in Ghana, West Africa is more than three times the global cervical cancer mortality rate (27.6/100,000 vs. 7.8/100,000 respectively). The Pap test and visual inspection with acetic acid are available at public and private hospitals in Ghana. Approximately, 2.7% of Ghanaian women obtain cervical cancer screenings regularly. Men in middle-income countries play a key role in cervical cancer prevention. Increasing spousal support for cervical cancer screening may increase screening rates in Ghana., Methods: Five focus groups were conducted with Ghanaian men (N = 29) to assess their cervical cancer and cervical cancer screening knowledge and beliefs. The qualitative data was analyzed via indexed coding., Results: Targets for education interventions were identified including inaccurate knowledge about cervical cancer and stigmatizing beliefs about cervical cancer risk factors. Cultural taboos regarding women's health care behaviours were also identified. Several participants indicated that they would be willing to provide spousal support for cervical cancer screening if they knew more about the disease and the screening methods., Conclusions: Men play a significant role in the health behaviours of some Ghanaian women. Cervical cancer education interventions targeting Ghanaian men are needed to correct misconceptions and increase spousal support for cervical cancer screening.

We used qualitative methods to assess pregnant women and men's attitudes, feelings, beliefs, experiences and reactions to male partners' involvement in antenatal clinic (ANC) in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa. The aims of these studies were to determine barriers to male partners' attendance of ANC with their pregnant female partners and to identify possible strategies to overcome these barriers. Findings from the qualitative studies demonstrated that pregnant women were keen to invite their male sexual partners and that men would attend if invited. The main barrier to male participation was lack of awareness and the healthcare facility environment. The findings of these studies emphasized the need to increase awareness among men in Khayelitsha of the need for male attendance of ANC and the need to address the barriers to male attendance of ANC. It was clear that community sensitization programmes coupled with improvement of the health facility environment to be receptive to men are essential for increasing male attendance of ANC.

Background: Understanding the strategies that health care providers employ in order to invite men to participate in maternal health care is very vital especially in today's dynamic cultural environment. Effective utilization of such strategies is dependent on uncovering the salient issues that facilitate male participation in maternal health care. This paper examines and describes the strategies that were used by different health care facilities to invite husbands to participate in maternal health care in rural and urban settings of southern Malawi., Methods: The data was collected through in-depth interviews from sixteen of the twenty health care providers from five different health facilities in rural and urban settings of Malawi. The health facilities comprised two health centres, one district hospital, one mission hospital, one private hospital and one central hospital. A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data from health care providers with the aim of understanding strategies they used to invite men to participate in maternal health care., Results: Four main strategies were used to invite men to participate in maternal health care. The strategies were; health care provider initiative, partner notification, couple initiative and community mobilization. The health care provider initiative and partner notification were at health facility level, while the couple initiative was at family level and community mobilization was at village (community) level. The community mobilization had three sub-themes namely; male peer initiative, use of incentives and community sensitization. The sustainability of each strategy to significantly influence behaviour change for male participation in maternal health care is discussed., Conclusion: Strategies to invite men to participate in maternal health care were at health facility, family and community levels. The couple strategy was most appropriate but was mostly used by educated and city residents. The male peer strategy was effective and sustainable at community level. There is need for creation of awareness in men so that they sustain their participation in maternal health care activities of their female partners even in the absence of incentives, coercion or invitation.

Aim: This study evaluated the knowledge, beliefs, and attitude of rural Nigerian men to exclusive breastfeeding., Subjects and Methods: A sample of 200 men drawn from a rural community in Enugu, Nigeria was studied., Results: One hundred fifty-four (82.4%) respondents had heard of exclusive breastfeeding. Only 29.9% knew the correct time for initiation of exclusive breastfeeding, while 30.5% believed that breastmilk alone was sufficient for the first 6 months of life of an infant. One hundred six (56.7%) accept the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, while 38.5% accepted that colostrum is safe for a child. Reasons for rejecting colostrum were chiefly because it is perceived as poisonous, dirty milk and culturally unacceptable. Educational status and age significantly affected knowledge and acceptance of exclusive breastfeeding among the respondents., Conclusion: There is a critical need to target men for intensive breastfeeding education.

It has been estimated that up to 45% of men in the United States have low bone density. Yet, only a few studies have examined men's knowledge of bone health and disease. Men's knowledge of sex-specific issues related to osteoporosis is especially not well understood. We surveyed 1535 community-dwelling men with a mean age of 79 yr. The assessed risk factors included a current diagnosis of low bone mass, positive history for fracture, recent level of physical activity, and current medications with the potential to affect bone health. Knowledge about male risk factors for osteoporosis was also assessed, including the effects of advancing age, frame size, fracture risk, calcium and Vitamin D supplementation, low testosterone level, and treatment for prostate cancer. Within this sample, only 11% of the men reported a current diagnosis of low bone mass, whereas 11% reported a prior hip fracture. Only 5% of the sample reported taking some type of Food and Drug Administration-approved medication for osteoporosis. In the aggregate, the participating men answered only 39% of the 6 male osteoporosis-knowledge questions correctly. It is imperative that bone health promotion campaigns that have educated many women effectively now expand their focus to advance the bone health of men also., (The International Society for Clinical Densitometry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study assessed gender differences in oral health knowledge, attitude and behaviour among undergraduate dental students in Palestine. Students aged 18-22 years at Al Quds University (n=260) completed the English version of the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioral Inventory. Females had more positive dental health attitudes and behaviours (making regular visits the dentist, being more educated about professional toothbrushing and taking more care with brushing their teeth). Half the students of both sexes thought they could not avoid having false teeth when they were old. Some aspects of oral health behaviour and attitudes were different between males and females, but in other aspects professional training may have compensated for these differences.

Background: The men's attitudes towards family planning and on the use of family planning method may affect not only their wives intention to use contraception but also the choice of a particular family planning method. This focus of this study is to assess the educated men's role, belief, practice and their participation in family planning., Methods: A cross-sectional data on 150 university male employees was taken. The logistic regression in connection with stepwise procedures is used to find the most significant variables that influence the men's current use of contraception status., Results: About 42 percent of the married male employees were users of family planning methods. Among family planning methods, condom was the most used method (about 71%) followed by traditional methods (14%). The mean age at first marriage of the respondents was 23 years and for the spouses it was 19 years., Conclusion: The knowledge of men in family planning methods is quite universal and general; but the attitude on the use of contraceptives and the family planning method is much different between the employees who had the awareness of contraception and those who had no awareness.

Background: Cancer screening programmes in England are publicly-funded. Professionals' beliefs in the public health benefits of screening can conflict with individuals' entitlements to exercise informed judgement over whether or not to participate. The recognition of the importance of individual autonomy in decision making requires greater understanding of the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs upon which people's screening choices are founded. Until recently, the technology available required that cancer screening be confined to women. This study aimed to discover whether male and female perceptions of cancer and of screening differed., Methods: Data on the public's cancer beliefs were collected by means of a postal survey (anonymous questionnaire). Two general practices based in Nottingham and in Mansfield, in east-central England, sent questionnaires to registered patients aged 30 to 70 years. 1,808 completed questionnaires were returned for analysis, 56.5 per cent from women., Results: Women were less likely to underestimate overall cancer incidence, although each sex was more likely to cite a sex-specific cancer as being amongst the most common cancer site. In terms of risk factors, men were most uncertain about the role of stress and sexually-transmitted diseases, whereas women were more likely to rate excessive alcohol and family history as major risk factors. The majority of respondents believed the public health care system should provide cancer screening, but significantly more women than men reported having benefiting from the nationally-provided screening services. Those who were older, in better health or had longer periods of formal education were less worried about cancer than those who had illness experiences, lower incomes, or who were smokers. Actual or potential participation in bowel screening was higher amongst those who believed bowel cancer to be common and amongst men, despite women having more substantial worries about cancer than men., Conclusion: Our results suggest that men's and women's differential knowledge of cancer correlates with women's closer involvement with screening. Even so, men were neither less positive about screening nor less likely to express a willingness to participate in relevant screening in the future. It is important to understand gender-related differences in knowledge and perceptions of cancer, if health promotion resources are to be allocated efficiently.

Afghanistan has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios and lowest contraceptive prevalence rates globally. Limited information is known regarding Afghan men and women's attitudes toward childbearing, child spacing, and contraceptive use, which is essential for delivery of appropriate services. We conducted a qualitative study among postpartum couples enrolled at maternity hospitals in Kabul, Afghanistan. We identified important themes that highlight the complex inter-relationship between acknowledged risks of childbearing, desire for family planning, rationales for limited contraceptive use, and sociocultural barriers to contraceptive use. We offer practical recommendations for application of findings toward family planning and maternal mortality reduction programs.