Perceived Barriers and Benefits of Condom Use among College Students

Authors

  • Sara. K. Fehr, PhD, CHES
  • Rebecca A. Vidourek, PhD, CHES*
  • Keith A. King, PhD, MCHES
  • Laura A. Nabors, PhD, ABPP

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2017.80

Keywords:

condom, barriers, benefits, sexually transmitted disease, knowledge, college

Abstract

College students engage in high risk sexual behaviors. Condom use is one method of prevent-
ing negative consequences of risky sexual behaviors. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify
perceived barriers and perceived benefits to condom use among college students. A survey was developed
and used to assess the study purpose. Study findings indicated barriers to condom use were reduced pleasure
(32.5%), knowing a partner’s sexual history (26.5%), and condoms limit intimacy (19.9%). The lead-
ing benefits of condom use were preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (63.8%), condoms
help prevent sexually transmitted diseases (50.1%), and feelings of safety after using condoms (49.3%).
Number of partners significantly influenced the perceived barriers (p <.001) and benefits (vaginal and
oral p <.001; anal p = .036). These findings may beneficial to those creating safer sex educational pro-
grams aimed at increasing rates of condom use among college students.

Published

2017-10-01

How to Cite

Fehr, S. K., Vidourek, R. A., King, K. A., & Nabors, L. A. (2017). Perceived Barriers and Benefits of Condom Use among College Students. American Journal of Health Studies, 32(4). https://doi.org/10.47779/ajhs.2017.80

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