Ninth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

Men’s preconception health is important for the health outcome of a child. A variety of factors for men help produce healthier children, such as men having less exposure to environmental toxins, alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, unhealthy foods, and type-II diabetes complications prior to conception. Much of the public is still unaware of this information, and federal health agencies have made it a goal to increase awareness of and address barriers to men’s preconception health engagement. This study contributes by examining the following: first, what are some positive, health-related practices that young men currently do when they become likely to conceive a child? Second, what social and economic factors are associated with whether or not someone engages in positive, health-related practices? Data come from public-use files of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. The sample consisted of men who went from either having no sex or sex with pregnancy prevention to later engaging in sex without pregnancy prevention with a romantic or sexual partner. From the time one to time two, men increased exercise and decreased marijuana use (if previously using marijuana), however, cigarette and alcohol use did not significantly change. Respondents with higher education, or who were taught about health and pregnancy in school during adolescence, were more likely to increase exercise. As relationship commitment level increased, marijuana use declined. Lack of physician visits and having a job with potential environmental toxins were also challenges for some respondents. Addressing economic, educational, and environmental factors is warranted.