Men’s preconception health care in Australian general practice: GPs’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviours
Kirsten Hogg A H , Taletha Rizio A , Ramesh Manocha B , Robert I. McLachlan A C D E and Karin Hammarberg F GA Healthy Male (Andrology Australia), Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Vic. 3004, Australia.
B Healthed, PO Box 500, Burwood, NSW 1805, Australia.
C Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Vic. 3168, Australia.
D Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27–31 Wright Street, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia.
E Monash IVF Group, 21–31 Goodwood Street, Richmond, Vic. 3121, Australia.
F Global and Women’s Health, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Vic. 3004, Australia.
G Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority, 30/570 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Vic. 3000, Australia.
H Corresponding author. Email: kirsten.hogg@monash.edu
Australian Journal of Primary Health 25(4) 353-358 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY19069
Submitted: 29 March 2019 Accepted: 28 June 2019 Published: 26 September 2019
Abstract
Potentially modifiable factors can affect male fertility and reproductive outcomes, including smoking, obesity, and older paternal age. This study surveyed GPs’ knowledge about, attitudes towards, and needs for promoting fertility and preconception health to male patients. The survey, conducted February to June 2018 and completed by 304 GPs, included questions relating to men’s preconception health, the potential barriers and enablers to discussing preconception health with male patients, and the types of resources that would enable GPs to discuss parenthood intentions with men of reproductive age. Most GPs (90%) did not feel confident in their knowledge about modifiable factors that affect male fertility. Two-thirds agreed that it was their role to discuss these factors with male patients, but nearly 80% practised this only occasionally. Lack of knowledge, the sensitivity of the subject and fertility being perceived as a female issue, were identified as barriers to discussing fertility and preconception health with male patients. To facilitate discussions, GPs wanted trustworthy websites and factsheets to refer patients to. Men do not typically receive fertility or preconception health advice in general practice. A national framework for preconception health care that includes men, GP education and training, and reproductive health resources for men is needed.
Additional keywords: fertility, lifestyle factors, paternal age, primary health care.
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