Citation

Santiso R. Forum Fam Plan West Hemisph 1988; ePub(ePub): 12.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12179851

Abstract

The viewpoint expressed in this article by the executive director of family planning in Guatemala is that Latin American men are interested in family planning. The "machismo" of the past is declining rapidly. Reference is made to studies since the 1970s that show that men are open to family planning and will permit their wives to use contraceptives. Men also, if properly informed and if their fears are dealt with, would accept vasectomy or other male methods. In fact, over 40 million Latin American men may be using condoms, and another 15 million practice periodic abstinence. The experiences of APROFAM in Guatemala have shown that males will accept vasectomy. The APROFAM program provides for presentations made to men in factories and in social groups. Announcements are made during football games. The program was successful in part because men's fears about the quality of services were removed. When services were provided in private by dedicated personnel, the acceptance of vasectomy increased. The program was also successful in bringing couples in together to discuss contraceptive services. The percentage of men who supported the use of contraceptives was greater than expected. It is argued that communication campaigns will continue to play an important role increasing male participation by increasing men's knowledge of methods, reducing men's fears about vasectomy, and reducing men's fears about female methods of contraception.

Language: en