Attitudes about partner communication regarding contraceptive use among hispanic male college students

ABSTRACT

Objective: The purpose of this exploratory study was to examine cultural factors that influence Hispanic male college students' intention to communicate with partners about contraception use. Participants: A sample of 239 self-identified Hispanic participants enrolled in at least 1 college course participated in this study in the spring 2014 semester. Methods: Students completed a 47-item paper survey. Data were analyzed with multiple regression and descriptive methods. Results: Participants with more siblings were more likely to intend to communicate with partners about contraception use than those with fewer siblings. Participants who received contraceptive information exclusively from fathers exhibited a more favorable attitude toward partner communication. Mother's education level was positively correlated with participants' contraceptive knowledge. Conclusions: These results emphasize the importance of support from family members to this sample's intentions to communicate with partners about contraceptive use. Parental involvement and male responsibility, in regards to contraceptive use, should be integrated into Hispanic-focused sexual health improvement efforts.

KEYWORDS:

• Attitudes
• college students
• communication
• contraception
• cultural influence
• gender
• Hispanic
• knowledge
• Latino
• sexual health

Funding

No funding was used to support this research and/or the preparation of the manuscript.