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With
the use of a condom the risk of contracting HIV during sexual
intercourse is reduced by 80%.[i]
When condoms are free of charge and available in public spaces people
are significantly more likely to have protected sex.[ii]
New York City has recognized free condom distribution as an important
method of prevention and launched a New York City themed condom in
February 2007, the condom is distributed at health clinics, community
centers and various stores and its release was accompanied with a
bilingual radio and poster campaign.[iii]
However further steps need to be taken in condom distribution, with the
condoms available in night clubs and hotel rooms across the city. A
study of condom promotion in Nicaragua show that the placement of
condoms, available without request, in places that couples frequent
dramatically increases condom use.[iv]
[i]
Cayley WE. Effectiveness of Condoms in Reducing Heterosexual
Transmission of HIV. Am Fam Phys 2004;70:1268-1269.
[ii]
Cohen D, Scribner R, et al. Cost as a Barrier to Condom Use: The
Evidence for Condom Subsidies in the US. Am J Public Health
1999;89:567-568.
[iii]
NYC DOHMH. Press Release: Health Department Launches the
Nation’s First Official City Condom. 14 February 2007.
[iv]
Egger M, Pauw J, et al. Promotion of condom use in a high-risk
setting in Nicaragua: a randomized controlled trial. Lancet
2000;355:2101-2105.
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