[Male sexual and reproductive health]

Analysing scientific publications about male sexual and reproductive health in Colombia during the last two decades and determining the main findings about knowledge regarding the topic in Colombia.

A systematic review was made of scientific publications in international databases concerned with male sexual and reproductive health in Colombia. Inclusion criteria concerned research concerning heterosexual males or men and women from 1990 to 2010 in both English and Spanish.

Sexual health has mainly been approached quantitatively and, more recently, qualitatively. Only 4 (12.5 %) of the 32 articles analysed dealt with an adult population; most were orientated towards a younger population (i.e. school and university students) who were questioned about their knowledge and perception of risk behaviour and conduct regarding sexual and reproductive health; no articles were found which inquired about older males' sexual health, only 1 article explored aspects related to erectile dysfunction and none emphasised cultural aspects related to a particular region.

Few studies were found concerning male sexual health; health policy and services were centred on female needs, thereby limiting male participation and/or identifying their needs in this area. Including cultural diversity and gender, especially from a male perspective, represents a challenge for the integral design of sexual and reproductive health programmes and services in Colombia.