Gender Differences and Condom-Associated Embarrassment in the Acquisition of Purchased Versus Free Condoms among College Students

Condoms are not used consistently among sexually active college students, indicating a need to understand condom acquisition patterns. This study describes purchased and free acquisition of condoms, factors influencing purchased condom acquisition, and condom-associated embarrassment among college students. A random sample of students at a public university was invited to complete an online survey. More participants obtained free condoms (77.1%) than purchased condoms (59.3%). Individuals who had only ever obtained free condoms were significantly more embarrassed around condom acquisition than individuals who had ever purchased a condom, and women were more embarrassed than men. Implications for health educators and higher education professionals are discussed.