MP43-06 SEXUAL FUNCTION CHANGES IN BLADDER CANCER PATIENTS UNDERGOING CYSTECTOMY

Abstract

METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was administered to all young males 18 years of age and older who attended youth health clinics across 5 sites in a large city in the southwestern United States between 2013-2014. The survey assessed demographics, level of SRH knowledge, sexual activity, perceptions of STI risk, and physical and testicular health. Bivariate analyses (T-test or Chi-square) were used to examine associations between variables. RESULTS: A total of 264 males ages 18-25 years completed the survey. The mean SD age in the cohort was 20.8 2.0 years. Most young men (173 (65.5%)) identified as Black/African American, 85 (32.2%) as Hispanic, and the remainder as White or Other. Of these, 158 (60%) had completed high school or some college. Between 5-32% of men responded incorrectly to specific questions regarding symptoms and risk of acquiring STI/HIV, pregnancy, and condom use. Most (151 (57.2%)) indicated that they or their partner did not use birth control at their last sexual encounter, and 57 (21.6%) indicated having an STI in the past year. Approximately 80% perceived their risk of getting STI/HIV as very low or low, and this risk perception was not associated with birth control use or history of STIs. Thirty percent of respondents did not know that men can get testicular cancer and 60% indicated they do not perform testicular self-examination or do it occasionally. Most respondents (166 (63%)) indicated they had not been shown how to perform testicular selfexamination. No significant differences in responses as a function of ethnicity were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that young males, regardless of ethnicity, engage in high risk sexual behaviors, lack SRH knowledge and risk perception, and are not involved in their personal SRH. These data support a need for sexual and reproductive health services and education, specifically for minority young males, to promote positive sexual behaviors and reduce adverse social, economic, and health consequences.