Condom availability programs in U.S. schools
Kirby, D.B.; Brown, N.L.
Family Planning Perspectives 28(5): 196-202
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0014-7354 PMID: 8886762 DOI: 10.2307/2135838Document Number: 301018
Despite emerging consensus that school-based programs have the potential to create an environment that promotes and facilitates adolescent condom use, the availability of such programs has not been documented. Thus, four data sources were utilized in an effort to identify all school-based condom distribution programs in the US: state departments of education, lists from institutions knowledgeable about such programs, networking with professionals in the field, and interviews with staff members at known programs. This process resulted in the identification of 431 schools (92% high schools) in 50 school districts in 21 states with condom availability programs as of January 1995. This represents only 2.2% of all US high schools and 0.3% of high school districts. 24% of these schools had school health centers as well. 81% of programs were implemented in 1991-92 in Los Angeles and New York City as a result of mandates aimed at reducing human immunodeficiency virus transmission among young people. In most schools, the condom distribution program was part of a more comprehensive program aimed at preventing unprotected intercourse and its consequences. Parental consent and counseling are common requirements for condom acquisition. Also common are restrictions on the hours condoms are distributed and the number that can be taken at one time. The median number of condoms obtained per school year was 1.1 per student. Three program variables were highly related to this number: making condoms available in bowls or baskets (4.8 more condoms per student compared to schools lacking this anonymous distribution technique), the presence of a school health clinic (1.5 more condoms per student), and condom vending machines (3.1 fewer condoms per student). Condom acquisition was also greater in smaller schools and alternative schools.