Benefits of Installing Condom Dispensers in College Rest Rooms
While college offers the opportunity to learn new things and complete higher education, a lot of influence on sexual matters can also occur. As they reach the end of adolescence and into young adulthood, young people have a higher chance of engaging in sexual activities (Francis et al. 2). However, it also puts them at the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases including HIV. Recognizing the AIDS crisis, Camden County College decided to install condom dispensers in all restrooms. The decision has created a lot of controversy on campus. This paper provides an analysis in favor of installing condom dispensers in college restrooms because it would instill an attitude of safe-sex among students and provide a private space for students to get condoms without being self-conscious or embarrassed. The paper also discusses the flaw in the opposing argument that condom dispensers encourage young people to engage in sexual activities.
Installation of condom dispensers in college restrooms would ensure Camden Country College instills the values of safe-sex among students. According to Francis et al. (2), over 20 million new cases of sexually transmitted illnesses (STIs) are recorded each year, and approximately half of the cases are among 15 to 24-year olds. In 2013, young people between the age of 13 and 24 made up 21 percent of new HIV cases diagnosed in the United States (Centers Par 1). Cases of HIV among the youth increase because many do not use protection. Francis et al. (2) describe a study of college students between the age of 18-29 involved in sexual activities within a 30-day window. The results revealed that while 70 percent of students engaged in sexual intercourse approximately 40 percent did not use a condom (Francis et al. 2). Many students indicated that they would engage in sex without a condom if none was readily available. The statistics reveal that college students often engage in unsafe sexual practices because of recklessness. Availing condoms in a dispenser would allow many students to understand the importance of safe-sex. In most cases, near the condom dispenser, catchy and informative messages about safe sexual practices are provided. The information and availability of condoms while going to the restroom would ensure that many college students make use of condoms more often.
Camden County College’s decision to install condom dispensers also eliminates the self-consciousness or embarrassment that young people may feel when purchasing condoms over-the-counter. DeMaria et al. (286) claim that students may have fear and anxiety interacting with a store clerk to purchase a condom. An individual may harbor feelings or fear of being judged or the stigmatization involved in buying condoms. For example, adolescents may be afraid of being seen buying condoms by someone they know. The culture or stigma associated with sexual behaviors among young people often contributes to the fear and self-consciousness involved in making condom purchases (288). Adults such as parents and teachers would rather have students not having any sexual contact and young people understand such perceptions. This increases the embarrassment that one would feel purchasing a condom in the local store. Also, the lack of privacy when buying a condom in the store often puts many young people off (289). An individual’s confidence determines the embarrassment levels that one may feel about purchasing a condom. Students with lower self-confidence would most likely not go through with the purchase. In this way, installing condom dispensers in restrooms would provide many students with the confidence they need to obtain a condom. While the student commutes to school, self-consciousness would not allow one to buy the condom outside of school compared to where one can dispense in private.
An opposing argument is that installing condom dispensers in college restrooms would encourage young people to engage in sexual activities. Many parents and guardians fear that allowing condoms to be distributed or sold in school is the same as being okay with teenagers engaging in sexual behaviors (County). Opponents of installing condom dispensers feel that society should not allow adolescents to engage in any sexual activities. While this perception may have some merit, it is largely misguided. With or without condoms, the majority of college students are sexually active (Francis et al. 2). However, installing dispensers provides a chance to educate the children while also ensuring that they can protect themselves from STIs such as HIV. The availability of condoms creates an environment of openness so that young people can learn and understand the problem of risky sexual behaviors.
Conclusion
Adolescents and young adults often engage in sexual activities. Camden County College recognized the AIDS crisis and decided to install condom dispensers in college restrooms. The decision is suitable because it encourages young people to engage in safe-sex activities. Condom dispensers also provide privacy for young people as many feel embarrassed buying condoms over-the-counter. While some fear that condom dispensers in school would encourage the youth to engage in sexual activities, it produces the opposite effect. Condom dispensers would be an opportunity for education and promoting safety on sexual matters.
Works Cited
“Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” HIV and Youth, 18 May. 2020, https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/group/age/youth/index.html. Accessed 15 July 2020.
“County Health Rankings & Roadmaps.” Condom Availability Programs, 26 Sep. 2019. https://www.countyhealthrankings.org/take-action-to-improve-health/what-works-for-health/strategies/condom-availability-programs. Accessed 15 July 2020.
DeMaria, Andrea L., et al. “Examining consumer purchase behaviors and attitudes toward condom and pharmacy vending machines in Italy: a qualitative study.” Journal of Consumer Affairs 54.1 (2020): 286-310.
Francis, Diane B., et al. “Perceptions of a campus-wide condom distribution programme: An exploratory study.” Health education journal 75.8 (2016): 1-17.