A condom distribution program for adolescents: the findings of a feasibility study.

Condoms were distributed among a target population of approximately 3000 males (1970) between the ages of 12 and 24 residing in 4 contiguous census tracts in an eastern United States inner-city area. Condoms were free but limited to 12 at a time per person. 18000 condoms were distributed by the 9 commercial outlets. The patterns of distribution and recipients were studied through an 8% (time-space) random sample for 13 weeks. The sample size was 347 but unique identification of individuals was impossible. It appears from the data that high-volume consumers were overrepresented in the sample. The mean number of condom recipients per outlet each day was 7.6. The mean distributions for the Monday-Tuesday combination (before 2:30 and after 2:30) and the Wednesday-Thursday combination were each about double the distribution of Friday and Saturday (all day) combined. 80% of the recipients lived within 6 blocks of the various distribution points and almost 1/2 lived within 3 blocks. The mean age of the sampled condom user was 18.6. The self-reported mean age at first use of condom was 14.9. In Week 1 twice as many sampled recipients had never before used a condom as had used 1 in the past week. In Weeks 12 and 13 no sampled recipients reported never having used a condom previously. In Week 13 91% of the sampled recipients said they had used a condom at last coitus. Throughout the study the proportion reporting use of contraception by female partner at last coitus remained at about 16%. Percentages of sampled recipients using condoms to protect against venereal disease prevent unwanted births to do as other males did and to satisfy the girls wishes were 69.1% 66.8% 26.5% and 21.3%. It is estimated that from 25% to 50% of the target population was reached with distribution. The authors conclude that condoms are acceptable to adolescent males; that young men are willing to assume a sizable responsibility in pregnancy prevention; and that commerical outlets have a potentially important role in condom distribution.