Ethnicity as a factor in reproductive health care utilization among males attending family planning clinics

Health care utilization of reproductive health care services among males is an emerging issue. This study examined ethnicity as a factor in reproductive health care utilization among 1,606 African American and Hispanic young males attending family planning clinics. Seventy percent were African American and 30% were Hispanic. Across groups, the most received service was treatment for a sexually transmitted infection (STI). African American males were more likely than Hispanic males to have health insurance, report a prior visit to a family planning/STI clinic, and have a history of an STI. Hispanic males had higher rates of employment. The most common source of referral for family planning services for both groups was either a current girlfriend or female friend. Hispanic males were more likely to use family as a referral source than African American males. Differences were also noted in regard to interest in health topics with African American males most interested in STI prevention and getting a job and Hispanic males in services related to working-out/eating well, controlling anger, feeling depressed, and getting along with family. Young males' perceptions of what they consider to be important health care needs should be assessed carefully in order to maintain their interest in returning to the clinics.