The use of condoms by VD clinic patients: a survey.

Using the condom as a prophylactic agent against the transmission of venereal disease is an effective method of disease prevention. This study sought to estimate and determine if VD clinic patients use condoms and would accept free condoms as disease prevention devices. Although the majority viewed the condom as a contraceptive device the general attitude toward use was favorable. The major objection to the condom was that it lowered satisfaction. Most patients would use free condoms if they were available from a VD clinic. 864 questionnaires were completed for the survey. Most patients were residents of Staten Island New York. Most were between the ages of 15-24 (62%) the next largest group were 25 and over (37%) while few were under 14 (6%). About half had received only a secondary education (54%) about a third had some or all of a college education (35%). 36% had learned about VD in school 26% from friends 13% from doctors and 11% from clinics. 73% of men and 77% women claimed they would not object to either using a condom or having the partner use one. In conjunction with the survey a trial condom distribution was created for the patients who participated. Patients were provided with 2 free packages dry or lubricated condoms (6 total) along with a gift certificate for a second package that could be redeemed at 1 of 61 pharmacies in Staten Island. 89 certificates (11%) were redeemed and almost half were returned to 2 pharmacies near the distributing clinic.