FSD2417 Reproductive Health in St. Petersburg: Men 2003
Detailed description (collection | citation | publications)Authors
Hemminki, Elina (National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health (STAKES))
Martikainen, Pekka (University of Helsinki. Department of Sociology)
Koponen, Päivikki (National Institute for Health and Welfare)
Nikula, Minna (National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health (STAKES))
Pitkänen, Kari (University of Helsinki. Department of Sociology)
Rotkirch, Anna (University of Helsinki. Department of Sociology)
Haavio-Mannila, Elina (University of Helsinki. Department of Sociology)
Kesseli, Katja (University of Helsinki. Department of Sociology)
Fedorova, Natalia (Centre for Independent Social Research in St. Petersburg)
Keywords: birth control methods, drug addiction, family planning, health, men, pregnancy, prostitution, Russia, sexual behaviour, sexual health, sexually transmitted diseases, St. Petersburg
The survey charted the reproductive health of men living in St. Petersburg, Russia. The aim of the study was to gain useful information that could be utilised in solving health and social problems in the research area, as well as to increase knowledge of the factors affecting reproductive health.
Altogether 444 men aged between 14 and 31 responded to the survey. However, the majority of the respondents were 17-31 years old. The survey was divided into four sections and contained 67 questions. First, general information (e.g. age, education, income, parents' occupation) was charted. Further questions canvassed the use of contraceptives and problems related to them. The respondents were asked which contraceptive method they had used in their first sexual intercourse, who had made the decision to use contraception, whether they had been satisfied with the contraceptive used, what was the reason for the use/non-use of condom, and whether they had received advice on the use of contraceptives. Sexual behaviour and attitudes were explored by asking the respondents whether they had received sex education at home or at school, whether their wife or partner had had an abortion, who they thought was responsible for raising a little child, whether they had a steady relationship at the moment, when was the last time they had had a steady relationship, how many sexual partners they had had in their life, when was the last time they had had sexual intercourse and with whom, whether they had received money or paid for sex, and whether they were victims of couple violence.
Further questions charted the respondents' opinions on the ideal age for having children, the ideal interval between children, and the ideal number of children for a Russian family. They were also asked whether they planned to have children, and what they though about abortion. Finally, the respondents were presented with questions on their health and alcohol and drug use, as well as the alcohol and drug use of their partners and friends. The quality of their lives was surveyed, as well as satisfaction with health. They were asked whether they had any chronic illnesses or venereal diseases, whether they had been in any venereal disease tests, and where would they go if they wanted to have a HIV test. They were also asked how many times they had visited a physician during the past 12 months.
The survey is part of the research project "Reproductive Health and Fertility Patterns in Russia - A Comparative Approach (REFER)". The researchers have translated the original Russian data into English.
Background variables included the respondent's age, education, occupation, and parents' education.
