Young Men and Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infection (STI) rates are high and rising amongst young men, but their STI testing needs remain poorly understood. Young men?s use of the existing STI testing services is low, compared to women, and we need to learn more about important barriers to young men?s engagement in STI testing. Previous research has suggested that gendered stereotypes (e.g., that men who seek STI testing are less ?manly? or weak; that women are primarily responsible for STI prevention) have been identified as important barriers to testing, especially for young men who identify with vulnerable subgroups (e.g., Aboriginal; economically disadvantaged). Thus, the proposed study will identify how gendered stereotypes affect young men?s use of STI testing, and will also provide insights into the ways in which these stereotypes affect service providers? delivery of STI testing services. Multiple data collection and analysis techniques will be used (e.g., re-analysis of existing data; individual in-depth interviews with 40 young men, ages 15-24 years who self-identify as members of vulnerable subgroups, and 20 service providers, such as nurses, doctors). The proposed 1-year study will be conducted in Greater Vancouver, and will adopt participatory approaches to engaging youth, service providers and decision makers. Together, we will use new information gathered during our study in a 1-day Participatory Planning Summit to develop recommendations for tailoring and targeting new STI testing strategies for young men.