Despite increasing interest over the last decade or more in men’s views of sexual health services and the use of contraception, most published literature focuses on women. The views of boys and young men must be better understood, particularly concerning the responsibility for the benefit of contraception. This pilot study aimed to gain insights into young men’s views of sexual health services and contraception; five non-fathers aged between 14 and 18 took part in two focus groups. The groups were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using the constant comparative method to build up data categories.

Engaging young men in research is complicated, particularly young men who are not in education or employment. Young fathers proved impossible to recruit. However, this was partly dependent on relationship status, namely whether sex was with a regular partner or a one-night stand.

These conclusions are based on a small sample, and all participants were in full-time education. Attitudes may likely differ from those who are not in education, training, or employment. The tentative conclusions from this pilot study suggest that academic status is a factor in beliefs about responsibility.

Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/38/1/44

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