“We learned from playing”: promoting sexual and reproductive health among adolescent men

Abstract

It is observed that men are more vulnerable to infections by Sexually Transmissible Diseases (STD) and to unwanted pregnancy due to not adopting preventive measures. The objective of this study was to describe and analyze the knowledge regarding sexually transmissible diseases, pregnancy and sexuality by a group of young men before and after a sexual/reproductive health promotion project, describe and evaluate the strategies used. This case study was developed with seven adolescents. Data were collected using a questionnaire, digital recording of the interventions, and participant observation, and then analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis. The subjects’ knowledge improved after the intervention. Six thematic categories were identified, related to the adolescent’s own body and perceptions of sexuality: STD; pregnancy; safe sexuality; gender; and sexuality. The interventions were evaluated, and this pointed at ruptures of hegemonic social concepts as well as the strength of actions promoting sexual/reproductive health specifically for men.

Descriptors: Adolescent; Sexual and Reproductive Health; Health Promotion.