The
purpose of the Family Planning Male Training Center (FPMTC)
is to increase the participation of males in title X family
planning services.
Males have historically comprised only two to
four percent of clients served by the Title X family planning
clinical services delivery system annually. This is consistent
with the lower rates of participation in health care by males
in general. While males engage in more risky behavior, and
have elevated health risks at all SES levels, health concerns
do not readily translate into health care-seeking behavior
among males. Given the different attitudes and expectations
that men and women have toward health care, it is apparent
that involving men in their own care requires a different
approach from that which has been successful with women. The
FPMTC recognizes that a new training paradigm and design is
needed for personnel working with males, if we are to increase
their participation in socially acceptable reproductive health
care activities.
The conceptual framework guiding implementation
of the FPMTC, derived from our experiences and those of others,
is based on the recognition that, in order to effectively
involve males in family planning and reproductive health,
a combination of coordinated educational outreach and clinical
medical service programs is necessary. This approach to family
planning and reproductive health programs targeted at males
has theoretical roots in the Health Belief Model. This model
identifies attitudes, cues to action, and environmental enabling
factors as powerful influences in bringing about desired behavior
by the individual. However, beyond theoretical considerations
the model includes an emphasis on educational outreach that
has been shown to be essential to reach males, and that distinguishes
effective male programs from similar programs for females.
Characteristics of Effective Male Family
Planning and Reproductive Health
Current behavioral research on males as well
as evaluation data from both successful and unsuccessful male-focused
health programs indicates that effective male family planning
and reproductive health programs share the following characteristics,
which are embodied in the training programs of the FPMTC:
- They identify the real needs of the target group, differentiating
what the group needs from what it might say it wants.
- They incorporate the values and norms of the target group's
culture and community into the contents of the messages.
- They account for regional and geographic variations in
values and norms in preparing educational programs.
- They create an inviting and culturally sensitive service
environment that celebrates male involvement, reflects the
program's mission, and matches the racial and ethnic composition
and needs of the target group.
- They employ developmentally appropriate material, especially
as it relates to the knowledge of sexual and intimate relationships.
- They maintain a positive orientation toward sexual relations,
intimate relationships, and health.
- They use material that is factual and that has been proven
effective.
- They use credible sources in preparing and delivering
educational programs.
- They employ role modeling mentors to reinforce educational
messages.
- They construct a two-way linkage between educational
programming and clinical activity, so that both sets of
activities support and reinforce each other.
The FPMTC Approach
The core of the FPMTC approach is a series of
four outreach components, that were first described in the
publication Components That Work In Male Reproductive Health
And Education Programs* :
| Outreach Component 1 : |
Assessment activities that measure
the risks, impairments and health care needs of individuals
in the male target group. |
| Outreach Component 2 : |
Health promotion activities that
provide information to the male target group to attract
their attention and raise their awareness of health
risks, problems and responsibilities. (The organization
and delivery of this component is at least as critical
to its success as its content.) |
| Outreach Component 3 : |
Activities that facilitate and
support the participation of males in obtaining needed
health care services by linking them to appropriate
health education and/or clinical providers. |
| Outreach Component 4 : |
Evaluation activities that follow-up
on the effectiveness of health promotion and clinical
services provided to males in the target group, and
on their need for further care. |
When done effectively, this approach raises
the awareness of health issues among males in the target population,
provides direction in behavioral decision-making, and increases
access to, and use of, clinical health specialists for counseling
and medical interventions. Also when successful, it contributes
to the well being not only of men, but of women and children,
because males are viewed as potential partners and advocates
for good reproductive health rather than bystanders, barriers,
or adversaries.
* Gruchow, HW, et al., 2002. Components That
Work In Male Reproductive Health And Education Programs. The
Male Advocacy Network, Inc. Washington, D.C.
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