Early fatherhood: a mapping of the evidence base relating to pregnancy prevention and parenting support
- 30 April 2009
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Oxford University Press (OUP) in Health Education Research
- Vol. 24 (6), 999-1028
- https://doi.org/10.1093/her/cyp025
Abstract
Teenage pregnancy prevention programmes targeted at young women have received considerable attention from researchers and programme developers. However, to date, relatively limited information is available on preventing teenage fatherhood or improving outcomes for young fathers. A notable gap is concerned with understanding the forms of sexual health programmes that are most effective from the perspective of young men. We conducted a systematic mapping to identify studies involving young men aimed at preventing teenage pregnancy, improving outcomes for teenage fathers or exploring the perspectives of young men around pregnancy and fatherhood. We searched a wide range of electronic databases from January 1996 to August 2008. Three quantitative and 15 qualitative studies were identified, of which nine were UK based. Key themes related to the inappropriateness of current sexual health promotion to respond to the needs of young men. While young men often possessed very similar ideals to young women, existing programmes were problematic when they negatively stereotyped young men and ineffectively addressed models of masculinity or the difficulties young men may have forming meaningful relationships. Further investigations are required on programme development for young men, particularly on sexual health promotion interventions for 'looked-after' young men and those from unstable childhoods.Keywords
This publication has 11 references indexed in Scilit:
- Teenage conceptions, abortions, and births in England, 1994–2003, and the national teenage pregnancy strategyThe Lancet, 2006
- Recklessness, rescue and responsibility: Young men tell their stories of the transition to fatherhoodPractice, 2006
- Social Norms and Beliefs Regarding Sexual Risk and Pregnancy Involvement among Adolescent Males Treated for Dating Violence PerpetrationJournal of Urban Health, 2006
- 'Dealing With It': Experiences of Young Fathers in and Leaving CareThe British Journal of Social Work, 2005
- Let's Hear It for the Guys: California's Male Involvement ProgramInternational Journal of Men's Health, 2005
- Promoting sexual health services to young men: findings from focus group discussionsBMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health, 2003
- A Comparison of Students' Evaluations of a Peer-delivered Sex Education Programme and Teacher-led ProvisionSex Education, 2002
- The experience of young people with contraceptive consultations and health care workersInternational Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 2002
- Young people's intentions and use of condoms: Qualitative findings from a longitudinal studyHealth Education Journal, 2001
- Working with young people - towards an agenda for sexual healthSexual and Relationship Therapy, 2000