Los Chidos (The Cool Ones) - United States

This initiative uses entertaining media to transmit reproductive health messages to Spanish-speaking males between the ages of 18 and 29. The experiences of 4 soccer buddies are detailed in a brightly coloured, 16-page novel in Spanish. In the book, El Conejo accompanies his girlfriend to the clinic to learn how to prevent pregnancy and gets a few ideas about how to be a better partner. Chuy and his partner had a difficult time remembering to take the pill every day so they find another method that better suits them. Chaparro, who never quite measures up to the others, has an important condom message to share at the end.

Since the majority of Latinos in Oregon are from Mexico, Alexandra Lowell, Director of Programs, worked with a creative team in Mexico - a commercial graphic novel scriptwriter and illustrator - to develop the graphic novel. "We tried to appeal to men's sexual appetite and wove examples into the story of how using a contraceptive method, and therefore being free of the worry of an unintended pregnancy, ultimately leads to more enjoyable, and perhaps, more frequent sex. We wanted to promote the idea that peace of mind comes with family planning," she explained.

The graphic novels will be handed out to males who come into clinics in Oregon, to female customers to take back to their male partners, and at community outreach activities.

Reproductive and Sexual Health.

Based on a review of the literature, Behavior Works concludes that when males are provided with information about reproductive health and contraception, they are more likely to be supportive of contraceptive use and to play a role in mutual decision making about pregnancy prevention. "Our research in Oregon, confirmed that women wanted their partners to be more involved and supportive in the decision to use family planning services and birth control," says Allison Mobley, director of technical services. "Latinas, in particular, wanted written information to give their partners."