Objective: When used correctly condoms can be effective in preventing: pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), HIV and Hepatitis B virus. The objective of this study was to determine whether there is a need to provide: (a) increased access to condoms, and (b) more variety of condoms to individuals utilizing the Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) facilities located in Anchorage, Alaska. Given the high rates of STDs among Alaska Natives (e.g., Gonorrhea (60%) and Chlamydia (48%) ensuring access to condoms is an important component of trying to decrease the incidence of STDs.
Method: Condoms and educational pamphlets were placed in six wall dispensers at the Outpatient Department (OPD) and in five at the Internal Medicine Clinic (IMC). The dispensers were at a height that would be out of reach for most children. Lifestyles lubricated condoms with nonoxynol-9 spermaticidal were placed in the dispensers at both locations between 01/23-03/17/97. We then switched to a variety of name brand condoms (e.g., Love Gasket, Ramses) between 03/17-05/06/97.
Results: The total number of Lifestyle condoms taken from the dispensers between 01/23-03/17/97 at the: (a) OPD was 3,565, and (b) IMC was 285. The total number of variety name brand condoms taken between 03/17-05/06/97 at the: (a) OPD was 6,067, and (b) IMC was 286.
Conclusions: Individuals utilizing ANMC facilities preferred the variety of name brand condoms to the Lifestyles condoms. Given the high rates of STDs among Alaska Natives it is important to ensure that this population has access to a variety of condoms.
Learning Objectives: After this session the attendees will have a better understanding of: 1)the STD risks facing the Alaska Native community 2)the importance of ensuring access to a variety of condoms and 3)potential solutions to reducing the STD risk among this population
Keywords: Alaska Natives, Prevention
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.