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Burke KL, Potter JE. Meeting Preferences for Specific Contraceptive Methods: An Overdue Indicator. Stud Fam Plann 2023; 54:281-300. [PMID: 36705876 DOI: 10.1111/sifp.12218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Fertility surveys have rarely asked people who are using contraception about the contraceptive method they would like to be using, implicitly assuming that those who are contracepting are using the method they want. In this commentary, we review evidence from a small but growing body of work that oftentimes indicates this assumption is untrue. Discordant contraceptive preferences and use are relatively common, and unsatisfied preferences are associated with higher rates of method discontinuation and subsequent pregnancy. We argue that there is opportunity to center autonomy and illuminate the need for and quality of services by building on this research and investing in the development of survey items that assess which method people would like to use, as well as their reasons for nonpreferred use. The widespread adoption of questions regarding method preferences could bring indicators of reproductive health services into closer alignment with the needs of the people they serve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Lagasse Burke
- Population Research Center and Department of Sociology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Joseph E Potter
- Population Research Center and Department of Sociology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
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2
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White K, Martínez Órdenes M, Turok DK, Gipson JD, Borrero S. Vasectomy Knowledge and Interest Among U.S. Men Who Do Not Intend to Have More Children. Am J Mens Health 2022; 16:15579883221098574. [PMID: 35562856 PMCID: PMC9112422 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221098574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasectomy is used less often than female sterilization, and many men who do not want more children may lack accurate information about vasectomy. Between May and June 2018, we used a nationally representative online panel to survey U.S. men between 25 and 55 years of age who did not want more children about their vasectomy knowledge. We also asked about interest in undergoing the procedure if it were free or low cost and explored whether a paragraph addressing common misperceptions was associated with interest. We assessed characteristics associated with high vasectomy knowledge (≥3 accurate responses to four questions about vasectomy's effect on sexual functioning and method efficacy) and vasectomy interest, using chi-square tests and multivariable-adjusted Poisson regression. Of 620 men surveyed, 564 had complete data on the outcomes and covariates of interest. Overall, 51% of respondents demonstrated high vasectomy knowledge. Men who knew someone who had a vasectomy were more likely to have high knowledge (prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.50; 95% CI [1.22, 1.85]). One-third of the sample (35%) said they would consider getting a vasectomy. Men with high (vs. moderate/low) knowledge were more likely (PR: 1.36; 95% CI [1.04, 1.77]) to consider getting a vasectomy. Race/ethnicity, income level, and receiving the informational paragraph were not associated with vasectomy interest. Greater vasectomy knowledge affects men's interest in the procedure. Given that many U.S. men lack accurate knowledge, efforts are needed to address misinformation and increase awareness about vasectomy to ensure men have the information they need to meet or contribute to reproductive goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari White
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work and Department of Sociology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Macarena Martínez Órdenes
- Department of Health Care Organization & Policy, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.,Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - David K Turok
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jessica D Gipson
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sonya Borrero
- Center for Innovative Research on Gender Health Equity (CONVERGE), Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Guo XM, Lore M, Madrigal J, Kiley J, Zumpf K, Adam M, Patel A. Vasectomy interest and awareness among patients and their partners in prenatal clinics in the United States. BMJ SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2022; 48:e67-e74. [PMID: 34272208 DOI: 10.1136/bmjsrh-2021-201062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although vasectomy is safer, more effective and less expensive than tubal ligation, rates of permanent contraception are consistently higher in women than in men. We sought to explore vasectomy interest and awareness in patients and their partners during prenatal visits, a time when contraceptive counselling is typically performed. METHODS Anonymous surveys were distributed between January and July 2019 to a cross-sectional, convenience sample of pregnant women and their partners, if available, presenting for outpatient prenatal care at two hospitals (one public, one private) serving different patient populations in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Survey questions gauged participant awareness and interest in vasectomies. RESULTS Surveys were completed by 436 individuals (78% female, 24% male). Seventy percent of respondents indicated interest in vasectomy after achieving optimal family size, but most respondents had never discussed it with their healthcare provider. Factors associated with vasectomy interest included being partnered, having a lower household income, and knowing someone who has had a vasectomy. Almost 50% of respondents would be interested in obtaining information about vasectomies from their obstetrician or prenatal care provider. CONCLUSIONS Many patients and their male partners in the prenatal clinic setting were interested in vasectomy as a method for permanent contraception, but most respondents had never received counselling. Since comprehensive prenatal care includes contraceptive planning, obstetric providers are uniquely positioned to educate individuals on vasectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyue Mona Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Marybeth Lore
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jessica Madrigal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, John H Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jessica Kiley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Katelyn Zumpf
- Biostatistics Collaboration Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Megan Adam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, John H Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ashlesha Patel
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, John H Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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White AL, Mann ES, Billings DL, Shah P. A qualitative exploration of men's perceptions of the terms "male sterilization" versus "vasectomy" in the southern United States. Contraception 2021; 104:524-530. [PMID: 34245720 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Clinical literature and contraception information guides use the terms "male sterilization" and "vasectomy" interchangeably. We investigate the meanings men attach to "sterilization" and how those meanings compare to perceptions of "vasectomy." STUDY DESIGN Cisgender, heterosexual men, ages 25 to 67, living across seven U.S. southern states participated in individual telephone interviews from May to December 2019. Interviews explored men's experiences with contraception, including their perception of the term "sterilization." We audio-recorded and transcribed the interviews and conducted thematic analyses using an inductive approach. RESULTS While most participants described "vasectomy" as a relatively benign procedure, they described "sterilization" as "sinister," "bleak," and "barbaric." Participants' discussions of sterilization invoked associations with eugenicist practices and specific historical examples of forced sterilization. While some participants recognized that vasectomy is a means of achieving sterilization, most viewed the term "sterilization" as incongruous with the modern medical procedure of "vasectomy," precisely because sterilization has been used as a form of reproductive oppression. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that men have strong affective responses to the term "sterilization." Participants' knowledge of historical eugenicist practices has implications for the acceptability of vasectomy as a permanent contraceptive option in our contemporary context. IMPLICATIONS The phrase "male sterilization" can be associated with eugenics and coercive reproductive practices. Using the term for reproductive counselling, education, or research purposes may have implications for the acceptability of vasectomy as a permanent contraceptive option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L White
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States.
| | - Emily S Mann
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States; Women's and Gender Studies Program, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
| | - Deborah L Billings
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States; Institute for Families in Society, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States; Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Payal Shah
- Department of Educational Studies, College of Education, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States
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Nicholas L, Newman CE, Botfield JR, Terry G, Bateson D, Aggleton P. Men and masculinities in qualitative research on vasectomy: perpetuation or progress? HEALTH SOCIOLOGY REVIEW : THE JOURNAL OF THE HEALTH SECTION OF THE AUSTRALIAN SOCIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 2021; 30:127-142. [PMID: 34018906 DOI: 10.1080/14461242.2020.1789486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Although vasectomy is a safe and highly effective method of contraception, uptake is variable globally, with scope for increased engagement in high income nations. Very little qualitative research has been published in recent years to explore men's perspectives on vasectomy, which represents a key opportunity to better understand and strengthen men's contribution to reproductive and contraception equality. This paper takes a scoping review approach to identify key findings from the small but important body of qualitative literature. Recent masculinities research argues that, despite some expansion in ways of being masculine, an underpinning ethos of masculinist dominance remains. Extant research on men's attitudes to vasectomy supports this ambivalent picture, indicating that while there are extending repertoires of masculinity for men to draw on in making sense of vasectomy, many remain underpinned by masculinist narratives. There remains scope for education and health promotion ensuring vasectomy is viewed as a suitable and safe option by more men of reproductive age. Increased uptake of vasectomy may also help shift the longstanding social expectation that women take primary responsibility for contraceptive practices, challenging gender discourses on contraception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Nicholas
- Genders and Sexualities / Sociology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Jessica R Botfield
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Australia
- Family Planning NSW, Ashfield, Australia
| | - Gareth Terry
- Centre for Person Centred Research, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Deborah Bateson
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Australia
- Family Planning NSW, Ashfield, Australia
| | - Peter Aggleton
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Gender and Global Health, UCL, London, UK
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Pallangyo ES, Msoka AC, Brownie S, Holroyd E. Religious beliefs, social pressure, and stigma: Rural women's perceptions and beliefs about vasectomy in Pwani, Tanzania. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230045. [PMID: 32196511 PMCID: PMC7083335 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite being a reliable and cost effective family planning method, vasectomy remains underutilized in many low resource settings such as East Africa. We explored rural women’s perceptions and beliefs regarding barriers to vasectomy use in the low resource setting of Pwani, Tanzania. The qualitative study used in-depth semi-structured interviews to obtain data. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 20 married/cohabiting women with two or more children. Thematic analysis guided the data analysis, with qualitative data reporting informed by COREQ guidelines. Most participants were Muslim and had between two and six children. Most had completed primary-level education and were engaged in small-scale farming. We extracted three main themes with associated sub-themes:1) lack of education, which included men’s education levels and inadequate knowledge and misinformation 2) religious beliefs, social pressure and stigma, which included community stigma and the belief that vasectomy was not good for men with multiple wives; and 3) promoting men’s involvement in family planning which included educating men and the women’s perceived role in promoting vasectomy. Participating women perceived vasectomy uptake to be affected by a lack of low knowledge (among men, women, and the community), misinformation, and various sociocultural barriers. Efforts to promote vasectomy and male involvement in reproductive health services should be directed to addressing deeply-rooted sociocultural barriers. Women may have an essential role in encouraging their partners’ vasectomy uptake. In addition, engaging couples in family planning education is critical to enhance knowledge. Ideally, such community based education should be conducted in partnership with communities and healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice S. Pallangyo
- Aga Khan University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- * E-mail:
| | - Agnes Cyril Msoka
- Aga Khan University, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Sharon Brownie
- Wintec, Centre for Health & Social Practice, Hamilton, New Zealand
- School of Medicine Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
- Green Templeton College, Oxford University, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Holroyd
- Aga Khan University School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kampala, Uganda
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Campbell AD, Turok DK, White K. Fertility Intentions and Perspectives on Contraceptive Involvement Among Low-Income Men Aged 25 to 55. PERSPECTIVES ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2019; 51:125-133. [PMID: 31449728 PMCID: PMC6779495 DOI: 10.1363/psrh.12115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Unintended pregnancy is disproportionately reported by low-income individuals in the United States, and studies of men's roles in preventing pregnancy have largely focused on adolescents and young adults. Less is known about the pregnancy-related attitudes and behaviors among men older than 24, who are involved in the majority of pregnancies ending in a birth. METHODS Between December 2015 and August 2016, in-depth interviews were conducted with 26 low-income men in Alabama who were aged 25-55, were sexually active and did not want more children. Interviews explored men's reasons for not wanting more children, their contraceptive knowledge and attitudes, and their involvement in contraceptive decision making. Transcripts were examined using content analysis to identify themes related to men's perspectives about preventing pregnancy and using contraceptives. RESULTS Participants' motivations to prevent a pregnancy centered primarily on their age and financial circumstances. Most men had limited contraceptive knowledge and perceived their risk of causing a pregnancy to be low, regardless of method use. Few men engaged in decisions about contraceptive use, despite their beliefs that men and women had a shared responsibility to prevent pregnancy. Although some men were interested in vasectomy, a few were hesitant about undergoing the procedure because they might want to have children later if their life circumstances changed, and others worried that vasectomy might affect sexual performance. CONCLUSIONS Some low-income adult men were uncertain about their pregnancy desires, and many lacked contraceptive knowledge that would help them avoid unwanted pregnancy. Research is needed to identify the types of programs that could effectively promote men's constructive engagement in preventing pregnancies over their reproductive life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony D Campbell
- Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
| | - David K Turok
- Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Kari White
- Associate Professor, Department of Health Care Organization and Policy, University of Alabama at Birmingham
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White K, Campbell A, Hopkins K, Grossman D, Potter JE. Barriers to Offering Vasectomy at Publicly Funded Family Planning Organizations in Texas. Am J Mens Health 2017. [DOI: doi 10.1177/1557988317694296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Few publicly funded family planning clinics in the United States offer vasectomy, but little is known about the reasons this method is not more widely available at these sources of care. Between February 2012 and February 2015, three waves of in-depth interviews were conducted with program administrators at 54 family planning organizations in Texas. Participants described their organization’s vasectomy service model and factors that influenced how frequently vasectomy was provided. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed using a theme-based approach. Service models and barriers to providing vasectomy were compared by organization type (e.g., women’s health center, public health clinic) and receipt of Title X funding. Two thirds of organizations did not offer vasectomy on-site or pay for referrals with family planning funding; nine organizations frequently provided vasectomy. Organizations did not widely offer vasectomy because they could not find providers that would accept the low reimbursement for the procedure or because they lacked funding for men’s reproductive health care. Respondents often did not perceive men’s reproductive health care as a service priority and commented that men, especially Latinos, had limited interest in vasectomy. Although organizations of all types reported barriers, women’s health centers and Title X-funded organizations more frequently offered vasectomy by conducting tailored outreach to men and vasectomy providers. A combination of factors operating at the health systems and provider level influence the availability of vasectomy at publicly funded family planning organizations in Texas. Multilevel approaches that address key barriers to vasectomy provision would help organizations offer comprehensive contraceptive services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari White
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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White K, Campbell A, Hopkins K, Grossman D, Potter JE. Barriers to Offering Vasectomy at Publicly Funded Family Planning Organizations in Texas. Am J Mens Health 2017; 11:757-766. [PMID: 28413942 PMCID: PMC5657540 DOI: 10.1177/1557988317694296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Few publicly funded family planning clinics in the United States offer vasectomy, but little is known about the reasons this method is not more widely available at these sources of care. Between February 2012 and February 2015, three waves of in-depth interviews were conducted with program administrators at 54 family planning organizations in Texas. Participants described their organization’s vasectomy service model and factors that influenced how frequently vasectomy was provided. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed using a theme-based approach. Service models and barriers to providing vasectomy were compared by organization type (e.g., women’s health center, public health clinic) and receipt of Title X funding. Two thirds of organizations did not offer vasectomy on-site or pay for referrals with family planning funding; nine organizations frequently provided vasectomy. Organizations did not widely offer vasectomy because they could not find providers that would accept the low reimbursement for the procedure or because they lacked funding for men’s reproductive health care. Respondents often did not perceive men’s reproductive health care as a service priority and commented that men, especially Latinos, had limited interest in vasectomy. Although organizations of all types reported barriers, women’s health centers and Title X-funded organizations more frequently offered vasectomy by conducting tailored outreach to men and vasectomy providers. A combination of factors operating at the health systems and provider level influence the availability of vasectomy at publicly funded family planning organizations in Texas. Multilevel approaches that address key barriers to vasectomy provision would help organizations offer comprehensive contraceptive services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari White
- 1 University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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