American Journal of Men's Health RSS feed -- OnlineFirst Articles

Intent to Remarry Among Chinese Elderly Widowers: An Oasis or an Abyss?

Chiu, M. Y. L., Ho, W. W. N. — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:18:26 PDT

To investigate the intent to remarry and the predictors for such intent with psychosocial variables, this study used male interviewers to interview 180 Chinese elderly widowers. A structured questionnaire on singlehood and intent to remarry, which developed out of a pilot in-depth focus-group study, was used. Data were analyzed with nonparametric tests and logistic regression. The intent to remarry was predicted by younger age, inability to meet sexual needs, and dissatisfaction with widowhood. A total of 40% of these widowers who wanted a partner considered finding one from Mainland China. The sex-related findings were very different from previous studies on Chinese men. They showed that there should be professional support to help them to better adjust to late-life marriage. In addition, the study uncovered the need to expand the scope and enhance the sensitivity of current general practitioners and geriatric services to address issues beyond medical concerns.

Book Review: Murray A. The T&G Story: A History of the Transport & General Workers Union 1922-2007 (2008).

Branney, P. — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:18:25 PDT

Providing Sexually Transmitted Disease Education and Risk Assessment to Disengaged Young Men Through Community Outreach

Johnson, D., Harrison, P., Sidebottom, A. — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:18:26 PDT

This study describes a community outreach project designed to increase access to reproductive health services to young African American men living in low-income urban neighborhoods. The project examined the effectiveness of providing community-based outreach and health education on increasing sexually transmitted disease (STD) screening. Outreach workers provided STD education and risk assessment in community settings, including street corners, parks, schools, and community centers. Data were recorded on outreach contacts, including client demographics, health education topics covered, and risk assessment results. Outreach workers conducted 9,701 contacts in a 176-week period. Most contacts (89%) were with African Americans, and most (84%) were with young men between 15 and 20 years old. Outreach workers discussed each health education item in their protocol at least 85% of the time and each risk assessment item at least 90% of the time. The majority of contacts (94%) reported being sexually active. Compared with the year prior to the project, actual STD testing of the target population doubled at the project clinics. This study suggests that going beyond traditional clinic-based testing to reach young, disenfranchised males constitutes a promising approach to reducing racial disparities in STD infections.

Low Rates of Vasectomy Among Minorities: A Result of Differential Receipt of Counseling?

Borrero, S., Moore, C., Creinin, M., Ibrahim, S. — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:18:25 PDT

Male sterilization is a highly effective contraceptive method that is underused especially among minorities. This analysis examined the association between race/ethnicity and receipt of sterilization counseling. This study used data collected by the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth. The analysis included men 15 to 44 years old who had not undergone sterilization. The outcome was receipt of sterilization counseling in the 12 months prior to interview, and the primary predictor was race/ethnicity. Sociodemographic characteristics, history of fathering an unintended birth, intention for more children, and access to health care were examined as confounders. Sixty-one (1.7%) men reported receiving sterilization counseling. Although counseling was reported more commonly by Black and Hispanic men compared with White men, the rates were not significantly different (odds ratio [OR] = 2.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.8-7.1 and OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 0.9-4.1, respectively). In this nationally representative sample of men aged 15 to 44 years, there were exceedingly low rates of sterilization counseling for all men regardless of race/ethnicity.

Help-Seeking Behaviors of Men Sexual Assault Survivors

Masho, S. W., Alvanzo, A. — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 04:18:25 PDT

Men sexual assault is a serious public health issue that is mostly underreported and unrecognized. Despite serious deleterious effects of sexual assault, most men victims do not seek professional help. This study was conducted to examine predictors of help-seeking practices among 91 men sexual assault survivors from a population-based survey. The study showed only 17.6% of the victims sought professional help. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that physical injury (OR = 6.58, 95% CI = 1.08-40.19), perpetration by family or friend (OR = 6.42, 95% CI = 1.47-28.04), history of rape before the age of 18 (OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.11-1.69), and threat at the time of incident (OR = 7.08, 95% CI = 1.52-33.03) were significant predictors of help-seeking practices. This study confirms that the majority of men sexual assault victims do not seek professional help. Victims with physical injury or threat were more likely to seek help. Further study should investigate barriers for help-seeking practices. Efforts should be made to reach men with a history of sexual assault.

Predictors of Condom Use Among Israeli Soldiers

Ben Natan, M., Danilov, S., Evdokimovitz, Y. — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:40:15 PDT

Only a small percentage of young people aged 18 to 20 years use condoms regularly. Thus, the younger population has an increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. This study examines the underlying determinants of condom use among soldiers based on the theory of planned behavior as well as the influence of soldiers’ social circumstances and prior sexual experience. A correlational design using an exploratory survey method was used. Participants were sampled in a convenience sample of 113 male soldiers from the Israel defense forces. A total of 70.1% of soldiers use condoms in their first sexual experience, however, this percentage subsequently decreases. The study indicates that soldiers are not familiar with the risks of frequent oral and anal sex. Behavioral intentions and self-control are significant predictors of condom use. Condom use among soldiers from one-parent families was lower than among soldiers from two-parent families. The theory of planned behavior seems to be a helpful method of predicting condom use among soldiers. Accordingly, efforts should be channeled at attempts to generate changes in soldiers’ views of condom use, intensifying normative pressures operated by their social milieu, and increasing their self-control in the use of condoms.

The Design and Development of the Father-Child Instrument (FCI) for Assessing the Characteristics of Fathers' Availability and Engagement With Their Preschool Children

Halme, N., Tarkka, M.-T., Paavilainen, E., Nummi, T., Astedt-Kurki, P. — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 23:40:15 PDT

Despite the fact that father–child involvement has extensive effects on the health and well-being of the family, there is a paucity of research on fathers’ presence in health care research. The design and development of an instrument for assessing the characteristics of fathers’ availability and engagement with their preschool-aged children in Finland is presented. Data collection was undertaken in two separate periods involving 263 and 821 fathers. Results indicate that the father–child instrument (FCI) is ready for use in research seeking to assess fathers’ availability and engagement with their preschoolers. Further research is nonetheless required to assess the potential for a more sensitive interaction and for the generalization of the FCI.

Exploring Women's Perceptions About Their Role in Supporting Partners' and Sons' Reproductive Health Care

Marcell, A. V., Howard, T. L., Plowden, K., Watson, C. — Mon, 11 May 2009 23:14:55 PDT

Women serve as important health information sources for young men. No previous study has explored women’s perceptions about this role related to young men’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care. Twenty African American women recruited from two clinics participated in three focus groups to explore perceptions to engage young men in SRH care. Themes were identified that may facilitate and/or hinder women to engage young men in SRH care: 1) communication/ actions to provide support; 2) challenges in providing support; 3) traditional gender role perceptions and other access barriers; and 4) motivation, influence and control. Participants were interested and willing to support young men’s SRH including sharing information about clinics (95%), making appointments (90%), going to visits together (90%), and having joint appointments (67%). Findings provide a foundation for programs interested to engage women as health promotion agents to improve young men’s SRH care access. Future efforts should explore the generalizability of study findings.

Barriers in Diagnosing and Treating Men With Depression: A Focus Group Report

Mon, 11 May 2009 02:17:47 PDT

This study reports on the experiences of 45 male focus group participants with a history of depression. Men responded to questions addressing the interaction between the male role, masculinity, depression, and experiences with treatment for depression. Using a qualitative, thematic-based coding strategy, three primary themes emerged. First, participants described aspects of the male gender as being in conflict or incongruent with their experiences of depression and beliefs about appropriate help-seeking behaviors. Second, men outlined alternative symptom profiles that could interfere with the recognition of depression and willingness to seek help. Finally, men expressed a range of positive and negative reactions toward depression treatment and treatment providers. Implications for health care providers are provided.

Awareness and Knowledge of Andropause Among Chinese Males in Hong Kong

Yan, Y. Y. — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 02:03:10 PDT

This is a pilot study that explored the awareness and knowledge of andropause among Chinese males in Hong Kong. The study employed a structured questionnaire and a convenience sample of 500 individuals at the age ≥40 years participated in the survey. A total of 397 (79.4%) of the respondents were identified as andropause-enlightened, 88.2% of whom believed that andropause was a natural aging process. Mass media was the main source of andropausal information. The andropause-enlightened respondents had poor knowledge with the mean knowledge score of 5.94. The majority identified irritability (72.5%), loss of energy (66.5%), and loss of libido (60.7%) as symptoms. Less than half of the andropause-enlightened respondents expressed that andropause could be treated and only 34 knew testosterone replacement therapy as a treatment. The present findings underscore the need for provision of health education to increase the knowledge of andropause among adult males.

Creating Teachable Moments: A Clinic-Based Intervention to Improve Young Men's Sexual Health

Armstrong, B., Kalmuss, D., Franks, M., Hecker, G., Bell, D. — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 02:03:10 PDT

A multicomponent health education intervention for men was integrated into initial visits at the Young Men’s Clinic in New York City. In all, 157 predominantly low-income, Latino and African American patients completed pre- and posttest surveys to assess their sexual and reproductive health knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Paired t tests compared respondents’scores on outcome variables at baseline and follow-up. Intervention participants significantly increased their knowledge (e.g., emergency contraception) and frequency of safer sexual behaviors (e.g., condom use) during the 3 months following their initial visit. The intervention was not as successful promoting positive beliefs about health care utilization or attitudes about condoms. Participants reported high levels of satisfaction with the intervention. This study provides evidence that it is feasible to effectively disseminate sexual health information to men at each step of a routine clinic visit, including down time in waiting rooms and individual encounters with health educators and medical providers.

Men's Adjustment to Spinal Cord Injury: The Unique Contributions of Conformity to Masculine Gender Norms

Burns, S. M., Hough, S., Boyd, B. L., Hill, J. — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 01:50:35 PDT

Men constitute 82% of the approximately 250,000 people in the United States living with a spinal cord injury. Unfortunately, however, little is known about the impact of men’s adherence to gender norms on their adjustment to such injuries. The present investigation examined the utility of masculine norms in explaining variance in depression beyond that accounted for by commonly identified predictors of men’s adjustment following spinal cord injury. As hypothesized, results suggested that men’s adherence to masculine norms accounted for unique variance in their depression scores beyond that contributed by social support, environmental barriers/access, and erectile functioning. Respondents who adhered to norms stressing the primacy of men’s work demonstrated lower rates of depression, whereas those who conformed to norms for self-reliance demonstrated higher depression scores. The authors discuss future research directions and potential psychotherapeutic strategies for working with men with spinal cord injuries.

The 4-3-2 Method for Kegel Exercises

Bridgeman, B., Roberts, S. G. — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 02:59:06 PDT

Performing Kegel exercises following prostatectomy is helpful in restoring continence, but requires concentration to accomplish the required contractions consistently. Confusion and effort with executing the procedure can reduce compliance. a new method subdivides the exercises into segments that can be executed without counting. The patient performs four sets of contractions daily, each set consisting of three contractions lasting two natural breaths, separated by two natural breaths. Because each number is below the limit that can be apprehended by subitizing without counting, cognitive effort is minimized.

Real Men Do... Real Men Don't: Young Latino and African American Men's Discourses Regarding Sexual Health Care Utilization

Kalmuss, D., Austrian, K. — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 02:59:06 PDT

There is growing recognition that men as well as women need sexual health care (SHC) services. Despite this, male friendly sexual health services are not readily available in the United States, and men are underutilizing the services that are available. This situation needs to be rectified to improve sexual health outcomes for men and women. In this study we conducted 10 focus groups with young adult Latino and African American men to examine their perceptions of the factors influencing SHC utilization among the men they know, with an emphasis on how notions of what it means to be a man affects health care seeking. The findings both amplify and complicate the relationship between masculinity and SHC seeking. They suggest new directions for public health efforts to enhance men’s SHC utilization.

Prevalence of and Factors Associated With Extramarital Sex Among Nigerian Men

Oyediran, K., Isiugo-Abanihe, U. C., Feyisetan, B. J., Ishola, G. P. — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:29:08 PST

This study used data on currently married and cohabiting men aged 15 to 64 years from the 2003 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey to examine the prevalence of and factors associated with extramarital sex. The results show that 16% engaged in extramarital sex in the 12 months preceding the survey and had an average of 1.82 partners. The results also show statistically significant association between extramarital sex and ethnicity, religion, age, age at sexual debut, education, occupation, and place of residence. Based on the study results, it could be concluded that significant proportions of Nigerians are exposed to HIV infection through extramarital sex. A fundamental behavioral change expected in the era of HIV/AIDS is the inculcation of marital fidelity and emotional bonding between marital partners. The promotion of condom use among married couples should be intensified to protect women, a large number of whom are exposed to HIV infection from their spouses who engage in unprotected extramarital sex. And, because of gender-based power imbalances within the family, a large number of the women are unable to negotiate consistent condom use by their partners.

Perceptions of Family of Origin Among Lonely Adult Filipino Males With Schizophrenia: A Qualitative Analysis

Tharayil, D. P. — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 11:46:06 PST

This study explored the perceived family life experiences in the family of origin among 35 hospitalized lonely adult (range 27 to 44 years) Filipino males with schizophrenia during a period of remission of their overt psychotic features. Open-ended interview, checklists, and projective techniques were used to collect data. Together with an in-depth analysis of narratives, the responses of the lonely and the loneliest participants were compared by Mann–Whitney U nonparametric test of comparison. It was predicted in this study that individuals with schizophrenia with higher level of loneliness would be more likely to perceive their family life experiences negatively than the less lonely individuals with schizophrenia. Results showed that the degree of negative family experiences among the loneliest participants was significantly higher than the lonely participants. Moreover, a few participants regardless of the degree of loneliness positively viewed their family as united and close, interactive, affectionate and loving, kind and good, trustworthy, religious, morally good, complete, and supportive.

HIV Prevention Needs of Sex-Trade Injection Drug-Using Black Men Who Have Sex With Both Men and Women

Washington, T. A., Meyer-Adams, N. — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 11:46:06 PST

This study examined HIV prevention program needs from the perspective of injection drug–using men who have sex with both men and women involved in sex trade. Focus groups were conducted involving an exploratory sample (N = 105) of men who met the following parameters: African American, injection drug–using behavior, men who have sex with men and women, and men who frequent parks and other areas for sex trade in Baltimore City and surrounding areas, aged between 18 and 40 years.

Data suggest that an HIV prevention program is needed that includes a safe space specifically for the IDU-MSM/W sex-trade community, comprehensive services including treatment for substance abuse and job assistance, and methods for improving HIV-prevention, such as communication skills to increase condom use during sex. These findings provide a better understanding of a population for which little is known, and identifies HIV prevention program needs for the IDU-MSM/W community involved in sex trade.

Health Insurance and Diabetes Among Multiracial Men: The Mediation Effects of Usual Source of Care

Hastings, J. F., Hawkins, J. — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:48:17 PST

Background. Health insurance and having a usual source of care is important in diabetes management for multiethnic men. Few studies focus on determining whether usual source of care mediates the association between health insurance and diabetes among men. Methods. Using data from the 2005 California Health Interview Survey, responses from 17,472 men were analyzed to examine the extent to which a usual source of health care mediates the relationship between health insurance and diabetes. Results. Sobel–Goodman tests for mediation indicated the largest effects between Latino and White men. For African American and Asian men, usual source of care did not serve as a significant mediation factor between health insurance and diabetes. Discussion. Findings highlight a need for more research on the importance of having a usual source of care along with consistent health insurance type for multiracial men.

Sexual Coercion and Mental Health Symptoms Among Heterosexual Men: The Pressure to Say "Yes"

Prospero, M., Fawson, P. — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:48:16 PST

The present study investigated the prevalence of female-to-male intimate partner violence (IPV) and mental health symptoms among 370 male university students. Participants completed surveys that measured three types of IPV victimization (sexual, physical, and psychological) and four types of mental health symptoms (anxiety, depression, hostility, and somatic symptoms). Correlations revealed strong positive associations between sexual, physical, and psychological IPV among male victims. Multiple regressions identified that males who reported psychological and sexual IPV from their female partner were more likely to report higher hostility, anxiety, and somatic symptoms. Further analyses identified that male victims experienced much higher levels of "insisted" sexual coercion rather than "forced" sexual coercion. Mental health practitioners should be aware of the possible mental health symptoms among male IPV victims, specifically from sexual coercion. The study posits that gender socialization does not allow men to refuse sex from an intimate partner and therefore elicit mental health symptoms.

The Frequency of Osteoporosis Screening in Men With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Nguyen, H. D., Bakshi, A. K., Borum, M. L. — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:48:16 PST

Osteoporosis is underdiagnosed in men, and osteoporosis-related fractures carry high morbidity and mortality. Recent recommendations on osteoporosis screening in men from the American College of Physicians state that screening and risk factor assessment need to occur earlier in men at high risk. Men with inflammatory bowel disease are at high risk for osteoporosis and fragility fractures due to corticosteroid use, malabsorption from intestinal resection, potential vitamin D deficiency, and fluctuations in weight. This study examines the rate of corticosteroid use, vitamin D screening, and bone mineral density screening of men with inflammatory bowel disease in a gastroenterology practice. The vast majority of men with inflammatory bowel disease are at high risk for osteoporosis. Screening and risk factor assessment should be emphasized.

Patterns and Predictors of Growth in Divorced Fathers' Health Status and Substance Use

DeGarmo, D. S., Reid, J. B., Leve, L. D., Chamberlain, P., Knutson, J. F. — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:48:16 PST

Health status and substance use trajectories are described over 18 months for a county sample of 230 divorced fathers of young children aged 4 to 11. One third of the sample was clinically depressed. Health problems, drinking, and hard drug use were stable over time for the sample, whereas depression, smoking, and marijuana use exhibited overall mean reductions. Variance components revealed significant individual differences in average levels and trajectories for health and substance use outcomes. Controlling for fathers’ antisociality, negative life events, and social support, fathering identity predicted reductions in health-related problems and marijuana use. Father involvement reduced drinking and marijuana use. Antisociality was the strongest risk factor for health and substance use outcomes. Implications for application of a generative fathering perspective in practice and preventive interventions are discussed.

Is Social Support From Family Associated With PSA Testing? Exploratory Analysis Using the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 2005

Thomas, K. B., Simpson, S. L., Tarver, W. L., Gwede, C. K. — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:29:57 PST

African American and White men have the highest rates of prostate cancer in the United States. Families represent important social contexts within which illness occurs. The purpose of this study is to explore whether prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing is associated with instrumental and informational social support from family members among a sample of Black and White men aged 45 and older. Data from the 2005 Health Information National Trends Survey were analyzed using logistic regression. The dependent variable was having a PSA test within the past year or less. The independent variables consisted of selected demographic and family informational and instrumental social support variables. The statistically significant variables included age and having a family member with cancer. Additional studies to elucidate the mechanisms of social support from family for prostate cancer are needed.

A Needs Assessment of Latino Men's Health Concerns

Peak, T., Gast, J., Ahlstrom, D. — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 15:52:41 PST

Historically, Latino men are an understudied group. Researchers know little about the impact of culture or gender on health concerns. In this study, focus groups with Latino men were held that investigated their health concerns, barriers, motivators, and access to health information and health services. Additionally, the researchers wished to determine if a church-based design might help reach men who might not be responsive to more traditional health education or public health routes. Results included that the Latino male participants in this study wanted health information but wanted it to be more specific and in an accessible format. They also desired more Spanish-speaking health care providers and were acutely interested in low-cost health care. Prevention was not of much interest to these participants. Church-attending participants were interested in church-based health education.

Which College Students Are at Higher Health Risk?

Magnus, M. H. — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 14:57:21 PST

An electronic health risk appraisal was used to determine which demographic factors were associated with higher health risk among college students at an urban state university. Students’ real age was assessed as the primary indicator of health risk and it was associated to demographic characteristics. Real age represents the physiological age of the body based on lifestyle choices, and this is often different to chronological age. Approximately 26.0% of 576 students were more than 5 years older than their chronological age, 29.8% were 0 to 5 years older, 29.8% were 0 to 5 years younger, and 14.1% were more than 5 years younger than their chronological age. Students who were male, Black, and nonnutrition majors had significantly higher positive real age differentials: their bodies were more likely to be more than 5 years older than their chronological age. Students with significantly lower negative real age differential—those whose real age was lower than their chronological age—were female and nutrition majors. Students were significantly more likely to report that they were "very motivated" if they were female (88.6%), compared with male (66.7%). These data suggest that when health disparities are assessed at the level of real age differential and motivation to make lifestyle changes, male Black college students are at highest health risk and they are less likely to be "very motivated" to make lifestyle changes than their peers.

Dietary Restraint Influences Accuracies in Estimating Energy Expenditure and Energy Intake Among Physically Inactive Males

Harris, C. L., George, V. A. — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:02:58 PST

Inaccurate estimations of energy intake (EI) and energy expenditure (EE) may ultimately impact body weight. The purpose of this study was to evaluate accuracy of estimated EI and EE among males in reference to exercise and rest using a counterbalanced, crossover, repeated-measures design. Participants (N=80) were recruited from a large, urban university in South Florida. Exercise consisted of walking on a treadmill for 60 minutes at 65% age-predicted maximum heart rate. Food intake was evaluated immediately following exercise and rest. Participants underestimated EI (kcal) on both the exercise (M=435, SEM=69) and rest days (M=439, SEM=54), overestimated EE (kcal) for exercise (M=129, SEM=44), and underestimated EE for rest (M=54, SEM=10). Greater accuracy in estimating EE for exercise was significantly (p<.05) associated with higher dietary restraint. The findings suggest that among sedentary males, there is an inability to accurately estimate calories, which has the potential to influence behaviors that affect weight management.

Exploring Perceptions of Health Needs Among Young African American Men

Marcell, A. V., Jagers, R. J., Mayden, B., Mobley, C. — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:48:47 PDT

Recent recommendations advocate involving young men in reproductive health programs. We know little about how young men perceive their reproductive health needs. For this study, 47 African American young men (mean age, 17.9 years) recruited from four community-based organizations completed a brief survey to explore life priorities and perceptions of health needs across 12 to 14, 15 to 19, and 20 to 25-year-olds. Participants’ life priorities varied by age group with overall top categories, including education, economics, and family members. Health was listed as a salient life priority among older participants aged 15 to 25 years, though it was not highly ranked. Participants’ top health concerns included sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS, with limited mention of other reproductive health concerns. Understanding where young men start from when thinking about reproductive health can better help us meet their needs. Future studies warrant examining how health needs change over time among a larger and more diverse sample of young men.

A Gender-Centered Ecological Framework Targeting Black Men Living With Diabetes: Integrating a "Masculinity" Perspective in Diabetes Management and Education Research

Jack, L., Toston, T., Jack, N. H., Sims, M. — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 15:12:21 PDT

Blacks have traditionally experienced a disproportionate burden of diabetes in the United States. Research published from 1980 to 2008 revealed a paucity of diabetes education and management research targeting Black men. There is a paucity of published research that takes into consideration attributes of "being male," such as masculinity, and how its attributes influence diabetes self-management behaviors. This article discusses three important factors that may help explain diabetes-related disparities among Black men. These factors include absence of consistent sources of health care, lack of health insurance, and the absence of a masculinity perspective in diabetes education and management research. This article offers a gender-centered ecological framework that examines pathways between demographic factors, family functioning, knowledge and psychological health, biological health, behavioral health and medical compliance, masculinity, and diabetes-related outcomes. Recommendations for future research that consider how aspects of masculinity might lead to the identification of gender-based risk factors are presented.