Researcher seeks men's views on family planning

Led by PhD student, Amanda Wilson, the study will explore men's importance in family planning and look at how men are involved in decisions around family and contraception and what they think about existing family planning services. Amanda is now recruiting men, between the ages of 18-45, for focus group discussions.

Amanda commented: "Men and their involvement in family has become an important social issue in the UK and this includes increasing men's part in family planning. Men's involvement in family planning is important not only for increasing equality between men and women but for improving the health of both men and their partners."

Amanda began her research by analysing the family planning training manuals used by health professionals and found that lots of assumptions are made about men and how they want - or don't want - to be involved. Amanda now wants to find out from men what they really think. She is running some focus groups during which men talk about their views on the contraceptive and family planning services they think should be available for men.

Amanda added: "There is little research on men and family planning, mainly because of the assumption that reproductive health is a 'woman's issue'. Since there is little information about men and family planning, it is unclear if services meet men's lifestyles and needs, specifically as these needs may change during their life."

In the focus groups, men will discuss topics including: their views about family planning and contraception, what part they see men having in family planning, and their expectations of family planning services. Participants will also be able to share what they think should be included in the wider survey on family planning, which will form the next stage of the research.

Focus groups will be running at varying times of day, evening and weekends. To find out more or to book a place, please contact Amanda Wilson at a.w.wilson@leedsmet.ac.uk, or by phone on 0113 812 3617.