Identifying the Barriers of Condom Use in College Students Arielle Zimmer, RN State University of New York Institute of Technology Department of Nursing Abstract   The transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s) in the United States have skyrocketed in recent years among sexually active young adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly half of the 20 million new sexually transmitted diseases diagnosed each year are among young peopled aged 15-24 years old ( The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2013). These astounding numbers can be attributed to a lack of practicing safe sex. College students, a known population that engages in risky behaviors such as having unprotected sex sometimes with multiple partners, fall into this at risk age group. Research indicates that 86% of college students are sexually active, but only 35% report consistent condom use during sexual intercourse (Bowen & Ross, 2010). When asked, undergraduate college students at the University of Wyoming were able to accurately report the disease risks involved in kissing, oral sex, vaginal intercourse, and anal intercourse among heterosexual partners. Unfortunately, their knowledge was shown to have little influence on their sexual behavior (Bowen & Ross, 2010). This finding leads us to question what is preventing sexually active college aged students from practicing safe sex and where do these barriers lie? Our goal is to identify these barriers in order to better develop a method to over come these issues. Targeting these barriers are important because college students are in the age group that is most susceptible to sexually transmitted diseases. If these barriers remain unidentified, the number of sexually transmitted diseases will continue to climb. Results/Conclusion Introduction Methods Introduction The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 2 sexually active persons will contract an STD by the age of 25 (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014). However, there are available methods that can be used to reduce this number. Latex condoms are a common barrier method that serves a dual function. Condoms not only serve as a barrier method for contraception, but is also the most effective means available for reducing the risk on contracting an STD when used correctly and consistently (Sarkar, 2008). In light of the month of April being STD Awareness month, an informational table will be set up in two different locations on the SUNY IT campus on April 8th and April 10, between 12pm-2pm. The table will be set up on April 8th in the Campus Center and will be set up in the Student Center on April 10th. There will be informational booklets available to students free of charge on sexually transmitted diseases and the importance of getting tested. There will also be visuals including statistical information on STDs available to look at. Free barrier methods will also be available to all students. This includes: Different types of male condoms, female condoms, dental dams, and lubricants. Along with this there will be an optional survey for students to participate in. -Because the educational day has not yet occurred and the survey is currently in the process of being approved and finalized, results are unavailable at this time. -We hope that SUNY IT students will take the time to visit our educational display and partake in our anonymous survey. -We hope that by the use of this survey that we can develop a better understanding of why college students are not engaging in safe sex. In doing this, we can focus on these barriers and work to overcome them I hypothesize that this intervention will have a positive impact on SUNY IT students. Previous researchers have attempted to identify barriers to condom use also using a survey method, but never through with anything to increase the use of condoms. It is hoped that these results can be used to get students more willing to engage in safe sex practices. Some of the STDs latex condoms protect against include: HIV Chlamydia Gonorrhea Herpes Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Hepatitis B Syphilis (Planned Parenthood, 2014) References Common barriers to condom use identified in previous research include: Religious reasoning Being too costly Lack of communication between partners A build up of trust between partners Decreased sexual satisfaction/hindered sexual interest Loss of sensation Not being prepared Being under the influence of alcohol or drugs Targeting these types of barriers and understanding why college students are not using condoms could lead to an increase in its usage. (Sarkar, 2008) Planned Parenthood. (2014). Condoms at a glance. Retrieved from http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-topics/birth-control/condom-10187.htm Ross, L., & Bowen, A. (2010). Sexual decision making for the "better than average" college student. Journal of American College Health, 59(3), 211-216. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2010.502198 Sarkar, N. (2008). Barriers to condom use. The European Journal of Contraception and Reproductive Health Care, 13(2), 114-122. doi: 10.1080/1362518082011302 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014). Prevention. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/default.htm The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013). Sexually transmitted infections among young americans infographic. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/2013/SAM-2013.html Acknowledgements With the assistance of the Health and Wellness Center Staff at SUNY IT, an anonymous survey was created in an attempt to help identify the barriers that are preventing college students from engaging in safe sex practices. The results will be primarily used to help create ways the Health and Wellness Center can work with SUNY IT students to overcome these barriers. Acknowledgments Stacey Genther, Health Educator at the SUNYIT Health and Wellness Center SUNYIT Health and Wellness Center Staff Google Images Planned Parenthood SUNYIT Cayan Library Connie Castellano for use of the Campus Center and Student Center **To view the full survey, please see the attachment in my post** PICO Statement In college students, what are the barriers that prevent them from practicing safe sex vs. practicing safe sex to reduce the occurrence of STDs on the SUNY IT campus?