College-attending young men's sexual and reproductive health knowledge, attitudes and practices.

ObjectiveMale involvement in contraceptive practice remains low. Family planning and pediatric health associations have recommended an emphasis on long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) in clinical counseling with adolescents and young adults, raising concerns about the resulting adverse impact on sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates.

Participants

College-attending men responded to an internet based questionnaire (n=31) and a phone-based qualitative interview (n=25).

Methods

Our survey solicited attitudes toward and knowledge of contraceptive methods and assessed communication practices with sexual partners regarding use of contraception and disease prevention.

Results

Knowledge about female methods of contraception was low, with a comparatively high level of knowledge about Plan B. Parents and health care providers were cited as the most helpful sources of information. Conversations about protection with sexual partners were reported by most men, due mainly to fear of unplanned pregnancy, not STI.

Conclusion

Addressing couple communication and dual protection among college-attending men needs greater emphasis.