Implementation and Evaluation of a Condom Availability Program on a College Campus: Lessons From the Field

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advocate access to condoms as a critical sexual health prevention strategy. The purpose of this article is to discuss the implementation and evaluation of a condom availability program using dispensing machines in residence halls at a Midwestern U.S. university. Undergraduate students (N = 337) living in on-campus housing participated in a survey about their utilization of condom dispensers at the beginning and end of three academic years (2008–2009, 2009–2010, and 2010–2011). Questions also addressed students' attitudes toward the condom dispensers and related sexual behavior. Results indicated that the presence of condom machines did not increase rates of sexual activity (a concern of university administrators), but there was also no improvement in rates of unprotected sex. Overall, students reported high levels of satisfaction with the condom availability program. Implementation challenges are discussed and recommendations for universities and colleges wishing to execute similar programs are provided.