To prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, sexually active individuals should practice safer sex (World Health Organisation 2008). This is important across the lifespan (Nusbaum and Rosenfeld 2004). But older and heterosexual populations are typically overlooked in safer sex interventions (Bodley-Tickell et al. 2008; Bowleg 2011). The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) has been used to predict behaviour, and develop safer sex interventions (Fishbein and Ajzen 2010). But a criticism of the TPB is that it fails to recognise the emotional aspect of safer sex (Norton et al., 2005). Extending the TPB to include affective attitudes has enhanced the effectiveness of safer sex interventions (Ferrer et al. 2011). Furthermore, safer sex typically involves a series of five condom-related behaviours; accessing, carrying, negotiating, using and disposing (Moore et al. 2006). Yet most interventions promote only one condom-related behaviour. In addition, the internet is now being used more as a platform for delivering interventions (Kraft and Yardley 2009). For safer sex interventions, online delivery may help reduce the embarrassment individuals often report when discussing sexual health (Qulliam 2011). Therefore, the aim of this thesis was to develop and evaluate an online safer sex intervention to promote performance of multiple condom-related behaviours in a broad population. A series of studies were conducted in order to develop the intervention. Study 1, an online elicitation study with 26 individuals, used an extended TPB framework to explore attitudinal, normative and control beliefs toward performing five condom-related behaviours. Findings suggested that individuals hold a range of attitudinal, normative and control beliefs toward performing these condom-related behaviours. Study 2, an online questionnaire study with 363 individuals identified beliefs and behaviours for intervention target. Findings suggested that three condom-related behaviours should be promoted; carrying, negotiating and using. In addition, analysis showed that affective and moral norm beliefs were most predictive of intention to perform these three condom-related behaviours, and should be the intervention targets. Study 3 was an online intervention with 439 individuals. Individuals were randomised to one of three conditions; control message, positively- or negatively-framed persuasive message. TPB and self-report behaviour measures were taken pre-, immediately post-intervention and three months later. Findings demonstrated that performance of condom-related behaviours did not significantly increase from participation in the intervention. However, intention to carry and use condoms increased over time regardless of intervention condition in all populations sampled. Overall, findings from this thesis support the development of safer sex interventions that promote multiple condom-related behaviours in a broad population. However, findings suggested that persuasive messages targeting psychological constructs of the TPB do not change intentions better than a control message in a broad population. From a public health perspective, these findings suggest that highlighting the benefits of performing condom-related behaviours may be sufficient to strengthen intentions. These strengthened intentions may be protective in the future if the situation arises for an individual which requires the performance of these behaviours. Recommendations for future safer sex research are considered.

Xiao, Lijia. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 139-158). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1991.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Michigan, 1991.

No description available.

Les usages contraceptifs en France et en Angleterre se distinguent fortement du point de vue du recours aux méthodes masculines : la vasectomie et le préservatif sont utilisés par la moitié des usager.e.s outre-Manche et par seulement15% des personnes en France. À partir des années 1960, la médicalisation de la contraception est allée de pair avec sa féminisation, mais les modèles contraceptifs de chaque pays semblent ainsi accorder une place différente à la prise en charge masculine des responsabilités en matière de régulation de la fécondité. Pour comprendre comment ces modèles plus ou moins sexués sont socialement construits, cette thèse compare les contextes institutionnels de la prescription contraceptive qui contribuent à définir le champ des possibles et du souhaitable pour les usager.e.s. Outre une analyse comparative historique et institutionnelle approfondie, ce travail s'appuie sur 34 entretiens semi-directifs avec les professionnel.le.s de santé dans les deux pays afin d’éclairer les logiques qui structurent leurs pratiques et participent à la définition des normes contraceptives. Cette analyse comparative met en évidence l’impact de traditions politiques contrastées en matière de régulation des naissances : l’héritage de l’eugénisme britannique est plus favorable au recours à des méthodes contraceptives définitives que le natalisme français. Par ailleurs, les systèmes de santé français et britannique se distinguent par leur degré d’encadrement de la formation et des pratiques médicales. En France, la faiblesse de cet encadrement autorise une grande diversité de pratiques en matière contraceptive, et notamment une approche paternaliste du choix contraceptif et l’expression de réticences professionnelles genrées vis-à-vis des méthodes de contraception masculines. En Angleterre, la régulation publique de la formation et des pratiques tend à standardiser les approches professionnelles du choix contraceptif, et laisse une place plus importante aux préférences des usager.e.s. / Contraceptive use in France and England differs strongly with regard to male methods: half of English users resort to vasectomy and condoms, compared to just15% of the French population. From the 1960s on, the medicalization of contraception has gone hand in hand with its feminization but it appears that national contraceptive norms allow for different levels of male involvement in each country.In order to understand the process leading to variously gendered contraceptive models, this research draws a comparison between the institutional contexts of contraceptive prescription, which contribute to defining possible and desirable contraceptive choices. In addition to anin-depth historical and institutional analysis, this comparison draws upon 34 semi-structured interviews with prescribers in both countries in order to unveil the logic behind their actions and their influence on contraceptive norms.This analysis underlines the consequences of contrasting political perspectives on birth control in both countries: the legacy of the British eugenicist movement proves more liberal regarding sterilization methods than the French pro-natalist context. Moreover, the National Health Service in England and the French health system address the issues of medical regulation very differently. In France, public supervision of clinical practice is low, which allows for considerable heterogeneity between professionals, and, notably, a paternalistic approach to contraceptive choice and the influence of gendered reluctance towards male methods. In England, public regulation of medical training and practices encourages the standardization of prescribers’ approaches to contraceptive choice and more respect for users’ preferences.

<p><b>Background: </b>Male<b> </b>contraceptive options are limited to condoms or vasectomy and have lacked significant developments for about a century, suggesting the value of exploring male hormonal contraceptives (MHC). In October 2018, a transdermal gel method entered Phase 2 clinical trials, indicating MHC may soon be available. However, eventual uptake of potentially contentious innovations, like MHC, requires informed marketing and promotional strategy. Consumer behavior research methodologies can aid in determining consumer perspectives, providing a framework for effective marketing to encourage MHC adoption upon market introduction.</p><p> </p><p><b>Methods: <i>Phases 1 & 2.</i> </b>Focus groups (n=29) and individual, in-depth interviews (n=20) among college-aged men and women aged 18-26 years were conducted using a semi-structured approach. Techniques from expanded grounded theory were used, allowing for a constant comparative approach to data contextualization and theme identification. Ads were created based on focus group results and tested in the interviews. Content analysis served as the data analysis strategy, allowing for a constant comparative approach to data contextualization and theme identification. <b><i>Phase 3.</i></b> College-aged men and women (n=1,997) aged 18-26 years participated in a web-based survey. Multiple linear regression was used to examine significant predictors of attitudes toward, interest in, and intention to use or encourage use of MHC. A conjoint analysis procedure was also used to assess the relative importance of attributes on ad effectiveness and preference.</p><p> </p><p><b>Results: <i>Phase 1.</i> </b>Three primary themes emerged from focus group discussions: 1) openness to MHC; 2) resistance to MHC; and 3) MHC gel innovation characteristics. Men and women were generally interested in the idea of an MHC method. Hesitance about MHC surrounded the social acceptance of a novel contraceptive product, resistance to changing current contraceptive routines, and fear of health consequences. Participants shared insights about promotional strategies which fell within the diffusion of innovations (DOI) characteristics of relative advantage, complexity, compatibility, and observability. <b><i>Phase 2.</i></b> In-depth interviews offered insight into perceptions of message development for MHC. Four themes emerged: 1) humor, 2) information, 3) relatability, and 4) credibility. Message testing in interviews yielded an understanding of elements participants responded most strongly to, including: 1) ad sentiment, 2) trustworthiness, and 3) visual appeal. <b><i>Phase 3.</i></b> Regression analyses revealed being sexually active (p=0.001) and having prior knowledge of potential MHC methods (p=0.031) aligned with positive MHC attitudes, interest, and intention. Conservative political views (p=0.002) and being satisfied with current male birth control offerings (p=0.000) were associated with negative MHC attitudes. Conjoint analysis identified informational messages as most important (56.62%). Informational (p=0.000) and aspirational messages (p=0.003) paired with relatable characters were the most highly preferred ads.</p><p><b> </b></p><p><a></a></p><p><b>Conclusions: </b>Findings revealed college-aged men and women express a general interest in the idea of MHC, with hesitance stemming from social acceptance of a novel contraceptive product, resistance to changing current contraceptive routines, and fear of potential side effects and long-term health consequences. Promotional strategy for MHC, or similar novel health products, must focus on stratifying consumers based on their readiness to accept a potential innovation and use tactics like aspirational marketing, social norms marketing, and informational marketing to confirm benefits and address concerns. Qualitative formative research also illuminated salient concepts for MHC advertising. Message testing revealed informational ads with elements of credibility may be most useful for promoting MHC, along with ad concepts audiences feel they can relate to or trust, and practical messaging or imagery meant to increase agency in use. The quantitative survey further supported these findings among a broader, university audience, indicating informational messages or aspirational messages paired with trustworthy, relatable characters are the most effective ad attributes to incorporate into marketing strategy when promoting a novel contraceptive product, like MHC.<b></b></p>

The attitude of the African male to contraception and the role he plays in the acceptance of contraceptives by his racial group is presented. Over a period of one month the researcher interviewed 220 African males at a primary care private practice. In this study 186 (85%) were aware of contraceptives and 34 (15%) had no knowledge of contraception; 111 (60%) were married and 75 (40%) were unmarried. The 26 - 35 year age group were the most familiar with contraception (57%). The unemployed were the least users of contraceptives (8%), whereas 69% of the professional group were using contraceptives. The average ideal family size of the group was 4 children. No significant cultural barriers to contraception were found. Religion was found to have little effect on contraceptive practice by the African male. Fifty-three percent of the Urban dwellers were using contraceptives compared with only 30% of the Rural inhabitants. Modern methods of contraception are not yet sufficiently known by the African male to be useful to him. Health workers should educate the African male in matters of contraception to achieve the desired objectives of family planning campaigns among this racial group. / Thesis (M.Prax.Med.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1986.

This study investigates male sexual behaviour and protective practices in the context of a generalized HIV/AIDS epidemic in Mozambique. It focus on how gender norms, particularly notions of masculinity influence sexual behaviour and the ability of men (and women) to protect themselves against HIV infection. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods is used in this study. The qualitative data comes from 16 focus group discussions and 20 in-depth interviews and the quantitative data comes from a survey conducted with 209 men and 217 women. This methodological approach has proven useful in exploring complex and sensitive matters such as sexual behaviour. In this study, where it was possible, the findings from the survey were supported by quotes from focus groups discussions and in-depth interviews. The findings of this study reveal that traditional gender norms, particularly rigid notions of masculinity are still prevalent in the study settings. The existing notions of manhood are mostly associated with traditional views of men as providers and main breadwinners. In contrast, women are seen as the family caregivers. Practices which bring social prestige both in the community and in the society at large are highly valued for men. Meanwhile, traditional notions of masculinity face enormous challenges in the existing socio-economic context which is characterized by a lack of employment and widespread poverty. This has negative consequences for male self-esteem including their sense of manhood. The study shows that some men believe that having multiple sexual partners is part of male identity and is supported by culture. Similarly, some women also believe that a man cannot be satisfied with one partner or stay long without having sex. These beliefs have important implications in a country with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. The study found that traditional notions of manhood prevent men from accessing correct health information thereby perpetuating the cycle of harmful practices for themselves and their females partners. The findings of this study suggest that despite a universal awareness of HIV infection and protective strategies, multiple sexual partnerships and unprotected sex among heterosexual men and women are the driving force sustaining the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the study settings. This is worsened by the widespread negative meanings attached to condoms. The study shows that the level of condom use (31 percent among men and 20 percent among women) is encouraging but not sufficient to curb the level of HIV infections. Consistent condom use remains a major challenge as much fewer men and women report using condoms in all their sexual encounters. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

Effective inhibition of sperm motility using a spermicide can be a promising approach in developing non-invasive male contraceptive agents. Copper is known to have contraceptive properties and has been used clinically for decades as intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) for contraception in females. Beyond that, the spermicidal use of copper is not explored much further, even though its use can also subdue the harmful effects caused by the hormonal female contraceptive agents on the environment. Herein, the size, concentration, and timedependent in vitro inhibition of bovine spermatozoa by copper microparticles are studied. The effectivity in inhibiting sperm motility is correlated with the amount of Cu²⁺ ions released by the particles during incubation. The copper particles cause direct suppression of sperm motility and viability upon incubation and thereby show potential as sperm-inhibiting, hormone-free candidate for male contraception. In addition, biocompatibility tests using a cervical cell line help optimizing the size and concentration of the copper particles for the best spermicidal action while avoiding toxicity to the surrounding tissue.