Title

The Influence Of Perceived Masculinity Upon College Male Health Promotion Efforts: The 'Go On, Touch Yourself' Campaign Promoting Testicular Self-Examination

Keywords

Behavioral health promotion; Perceived masculinity; Tailored messaging; Testicular cancer; Testicular self-examination

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of the "Go On, Touch Yourself" pilot study was to build upon past research where predictors of testicular self-examination (TSE) were assessed among a sample of college men aged 18-35. Further, this study discusses the sociological influence of perceived masculinity and how it may affect TSE rates. Research suggests, men prefer to receive information in more private venues, as the topic may prove to be embarrassing or serve as a threat to their masculinity if discussed in more open forums. Methods: This pilot study hypothesized that the use of restroom stalls/urinals would assuage concerns of a masculinity breach while effectively delivering a TSE promotional message. Our goal was to test the effectiveness of restroom facilities (inherently, a private venue) to promote TSE and at the same time deliver said message in such a way that would enhance the efficacy of the male subject to perform TSE quickly and effectively. A survey was given to assess effectiveness of catching men's attention to the poster and if it altered their intention to perform TSE. Results: The majority of pilot study participants looked favorably upon TSE performance and considered the restroom facility venue as a helpful way to inform men about, and encourage them to perform, TSE. Approximately 92% of respondents who observed the poster were at least somewhat willing to perform TSE. Conclusion: Due to the initial success of this pilot study, we advocate for men's health researchers to continue testing the effectiveness of restroom facilities to promote TSE among men. Further, researchers need to highlight the role of perceived masculinity as a primary predictor variable in health promotion campaign success rate among male populations. © 2013 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.

Publication Date

1-1-2013

Publication Title

Masculinity and Femininity: Stereotypes/Myths, Psychology and Role of Culture

Number of Pages

155-166

Document Type

Article; Book Chapter

Personal Identifier

scopus

Socpus ID

84892931959 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84892931959

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