Cost as a barrier to condom use: the evidence for condom subsidies in the United States.
OBJECTIVE
This study sought to determine the impact of price on condom use.


METHODS
A program based on distribution of condoms at no charge was replaced with one providing low-cost condoms (25 cents). Pretest and posttest surveys asked about condom use among persons reporting 2 or more sex partners.


RESULTS
At pretest, 57% of respondents had obtained free condoms, and 77% had used a condom during their most recent sexual encounter. When the price was raised to 25 cents, the respective percentages decreased to 30% and 64%.


CONCLUSIONS
Cost is a barrier to condom use. Free condoms should be distributed to encourage their use by persons at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Cohen
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D
Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Louisiana State University Medical Center, New Orleans, USA.
Scribner
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R
Bedimo
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Farley
T A
TA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017280:Condoms / Q000191:economics* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005380:Financing, Government / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005382:Financing, Personal / Q000191:economics*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D008145:Louisiana; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012307:Risk Factors; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States