Racial and ethnic differences in men's knowledge and attitudes about contraception

Contraception. 2013 Oct;88(4):532-8. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2013.04.002. Epub 2013 Apr 18.

Abstract

Background: Little is known about racial/ethnic differences in men's contraceptive knowledge and attitudes.

Study design: We used multivariable logistic regression to examine racial/ethnic differences in contraceptive knowledge and attitudes among 903 men aged 18-29 in the 2009 National Survey of Reproductive and Contraceptive Knowledge.

Results: Black and Hispanic men were less likely than Whites to have heard of most contraceptive methods, including female and male sterilization, and also had lower knowledge about hormonal and long-acting reversible methods. They were less likely to know that pills are ineffective when 2-3 pills are missed [Blacks: adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=0.42; Hispanics: aOR=0.53] and that fertility was not delayed after stopping the pill (Blacks: aOR=0.52; Hispanics: aOR=0.27). Hispanics were less likely to know that nulliparous women can use the intrauterine device (aOR=0.47). Condom knowledge was similar by race/ethnicity, but Blacks were less likely to view condoms as a hassle than Whites (aOR=0.46).

Conclusions: Efforts to educate men, especially men of color, about contraceptive methods are needed.

Keywords: Attitudes; Contraception; Disparities; Knowledge; Men; Race.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Black or African American
  • Contraception Behavior / ethnology*
  • Contraception*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Family Planning Services* / education
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice* / ethnology
  • Health Surveys
  • Hispanic or Latino
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / ethnology
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Single Person
  • United States
  • White People
  • Young Adult