Family Planning Male Research

The Office of Population Affairs/Office of Family Planning (OPA/OFP) is funding its third round of research projects focusing on the family planning and related reproductive health needs of males. This round of research projects consist of five study sites and one coordinating center that will participate in a multi-site study testing a comprehensive family planning service delivery model for males.

These cooperative agreements, with close involvement from the OFP, will specifically address the provision of services to males in a culturally appropriate manner, integrated into a holistic approach for male health.

The primary purpose of the male research cooperative agreement is to study the effectiveness of a comprehensive service delivery model aimed at increasing the number of males who access family planning and related preventive health services in clinical settings. The model’s components include: 1) restructuring the clinic environment, 2) targeting community outreach, and 3) promotion of male services via clinic in-reach activities with existing clients. These model elements will be supported via project training and technical assistance to build the capacity of clinics and their staff to provide male reproductive health services.

The study will implement the model at several clinical sites for each research grantee agency. The coordinating center will assist in the development of the research protocol, train staff from each of the sites, collect data and conduct the evaluation.

The male research cooperative agreements have a project period of five years (2008 – 2013).

Research Grantees: The agencies tasked with direct implementation of the model described above at their clinical sites include:

• Bexar County Hospital District, University Health System – San Antonio, TX
• Principal Investigator – Betty Vestal

• Family Health Centers of San Diego, Inc. – San Diego, CA
• Principal Investigator – Janet Adamian

• Family Planning Council, Inc. – Philadelphia, PA
• Principal Investigator – Tristan Ruby

• Intermountain Planned Parenthood, Planned Parenthood of Montana – Billings, MT
• Principal Investigator – Jill Baker

• Montachusett Opportunity Council – Fitchburg, MA
• Principal Investigator – Mary Giannetti

Coordinating Center: CHT, as the coordinating center, will assist in the development of the research protocol, train research site staff, monitor data collection, and conduct the overall project evaluation.

• Principal Investigator: David Fine, Ph.D.
• Center for Health Training, Seattle Office, dfine@jba-cht.com