Interest in Vasectomy in a Border Population with Limited Access to Female Sterilization

Celia Hubert, University of Texas at Austin
Kari White, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Researchers speculate that cultural perceptions explain why Latinos are less likely to undergo vasectomy compared with non-Hispanic whites in the United States (US), but there is limited evidence supporting this hypothesis. We used multiple sources of data from the Border Contraceptive Access Study to examine interest in vasectomy among Latino couples in El Paso, Texas. Interviews with women who do not want more children collected information on male partners’ willingness to undergo vasectomy and the prevalence of vasectomy use in social networks. Focus groups with men explored attitudes toward the procedure. In ordered logistic regression models, higher education and receipt of government assistance were associated with greater interest in vasectomy, while speaking English at home was not. Vasectomy was common in women’s social networks, and men were willing to get a vasectomy, but lacked necessary information and resources. Health education and affordable vasectomy services would increase use among Latino men.