MP43-05 SEXUAL AND GENITAL HEALTH AWARENESS AMONG MALES ATTENDING YOUTH HEALTH CLINICS

Abstract

You have accessJournal of UrologySexual Function/Dysfunction/Andrology: Evaluation I1 Apr 2015MP43-05 SEXUAL AND GENITAL HEALTH AWARENESS AMONG MALES ATTENDING YOUTH HEALTH CLINICS Alexander W. Pastuszak, Peggy B. Smith, Allyssa Abacan, Larry I. Lipshultz, Dolores J. Lamb, and Ruth Buzi Alexander W. PastuszakAlexander W. Pastuszak More articles by this author , Peggy B. SmithPeggy B. Smith More articles by this author , Allyssa AbacanAllyssa Abacan More articles by this author , Larry I. LipshultzLarry I. Lipshultz More articles by this author , Dolores J. LambDolores J. Lamb More articles by this author , and Ruth BuziRuth Buzi More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2015.02.1612AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Young minority males often have unmet sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs, including a lack of screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and SRH-related cancers and conditions. Race, socioeconomic status, and conventional masculine values are associated with high-risk sexual behaviors, such as having more sexual partners and less favorable attitudes towards condom use. These risk behaviors increase the risk of STIs and detrimental testicular conditions in these young men. Here we assess the sexual and genital health knowledge and needs of young minority males. 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 self-examination. 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. © 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 193Issue 4SApril 2015Page: e519-e520 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2015 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Alexander W. Pastuszak More articles by this author Peggy B. Smith More articles by this author Allyssa Abacan More articles by this author Larry I. Lipshultz More articles by this author Dolores J. Lamb More articles by this author Ruth Buzi More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...