Latino men and vasectomy: An exploration in El Paso, Texas

Latino population in the United States has a lower prevalence of vasectomy than the non-Hispanic white population. A body of research has considered that cultural perceptions about masculinity might explain why Latinos are less likely to undergo vasectomy. Latino population has experience a limited access to health care which might explain the lower prevalence of vasectomy among Latino population in the United States. We conducted logistic regression to analyze the relationship between the perception about the decision of men to undergo vasectomy and the frustrated demand for female sterilization. We also observed how other women’s experience might influence attitudes toward partners’ willingness to obtain a vasectomy. Finally, in order to have an insight into attitudes toward vasectomy among Latino men, we analyzed the information from the two focus groups conducted in El Paso, Texas. We find evidence that although some Latino men are willing to undergo vasectomy, they face economic and labor situations that prevent them to obtain the procedure.