Reaching young men with reproductive health programs.

This article focuses on reproductive health programs for young men in developing countries. The introduction notes that such programs primarily encourage responsible sexual behavior and may support other positive behaviors and attitudes. Consideration of the key issues related to young mens reproductive health reveals that young men generally lack information about sexuality and reproduction and are socially driven to adopt risk behaviors but are seldom targeted for health education and services. A look at the recommended content of reproductive health programs points out that programs should provide reproductive health education simultaneously with fostering the well-being of participants and responding to the needs that participants of various ages identify. The article ends by reviewing various approaches to reach young men including: 1) youth centers and organizations 2) community outreach 3) peer education and counseling 4) creation of male-friendly clinics 5) use of mass media 6) social marketing and 7) workplace programs.