Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the availability of condoms and safer sex products, condom distribution procedures, demographic correlates of condom availability, and condom publicizing methods among colleges and universities nationwide. Using a cross-sectional design, the authors mailed and emailed a questionnaire to a geographically diverse group of 1,101 colleges and universities. Health center directors or other appropriate employees representing 438 (39.8% response rate) schools agreed to participate. Nationally, 86.3% (n = 378) of all colleges and universities distribute male latex condoms to their students. The M number of condoms distributed was 9,999/year, which equates to 1.00 condoms/student among institutions that house a condom distribution program and .90 condoms among all institutions. The most common distribution method was through the student health services department (96.0%) and the most common strategy of publicizing programs was through outreach conducted by peer educators (57.9%). School demographic characteristics, including student population and type of institution were significant correlates of condom availability. When compared to private schools, public institutions distributed more condoms, U = 9017, p < .001, as did non-faith-based schools when compared to faith-based schools, U = 3041, p < .001. Condom availability among colleges and universities nationally may not be adequate to significantly reduce risk of STIs and unintended pregnancy among students. Findings provide useful information regarding condom availability, distribution strategies, demographic comparisons, and condom publicizing strategies for a large sample of U.S. colleges and universities representing a significant portion of students nationwide. In addition, only 27.2% of schools advertise condom availability through campus fliers and 13.8% through social networking.  Results provide useful information for the creation of benchmarks for this population and may assist in the development of comprehensive health care implementation and health policy development within institutions.