Condom Availability at Four-Year State Universities in the North Central Census Region.

This survey of 66 4-year state universities with enrollments greater than 5,000 students in the North Central census region investigated the availability of condoms on campuses to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, including acquired immune deficiency syndrome. The survey sought to determine condom availability, location, cost to students, and the institutional levels at which this issue had been raised. Results indicated that condoms were available to students on 57 of the 66 campuses, or 86 percent. Condom availability had been a campus issue on 62 of the campuses. Of the nine institutions not making condoms available on campus, five indicated it had been a campus issue. Condom availability did not appear to be as strong an issue with parents, faculty, or boards of trustees as it was with students, chief health officers, and student affairs staff. The most common areas in which condoms were reported to be available at colleges and universiites were at health centers and in restroom vending machines. It is concluded that the extent of condom availability on campuses may be too limited to effectively deal with the increase in sexually transmitted diseases. (17 references) (JDD)