Purchasing condoms near a college campus: Environmental barriers

Background Given the propensity for college students to engage in sexual activity and the subsequent lack of consistent condom use, there is a need to determine environmental factors that may be motivating or deterring factors for college students to access condoms. This study aimed to determine the number of businesses available to purchase condoms from near a large, south-eastern college campus and investigate environmental differences between types of businesses. Methods: Environmental factors (e.g. distance from campus, barriers to purchasing, selection availability and price) were collected among businesses within a 2-mile radius of the campus. Both χ2 and ANOVA determined significant differences between types of businesses (P≤0.05). Results: Forty-two businesses sold condoms, 66.7% of which were convenience-type stores. The average distance from the campus was 1.33 miles (s.d.≤0.58). The average unit price of male condoms was significantly higher in drug store/pharmacies (M≤1.68) compared with convenience-type stores (M≤1.22) and grocery stores (M≤0.97); P≤0.005. Assistance was needed to purchase condoms in 25% of businesses. Barriers to purchasing condoms were significantly higher in convenience stores/gas stations (P<0.05). Conclusion: Environmental barriers related to purchasing condoms exist and must be considered when targeting sexual health promotion on college campuses.