Input to condom protocol - survey

The importance of condom distribution in helping to drive down the rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) across the state is a large emphasis of the New South Wales Sexually Transmissible Infections strategy 2016-2020. Sustaining the central role that condoms play in the prevention of STI transmission is crucial.

To increase and broaden condom distribution, a statewide committee are developing a condom protocol. The condom protocol will be a useful resource for staff, especially those who work with young people, and will provide guidance and assistance to ensure the safe and effective distribution of condoms.

Being part of the condom supply chain supports equity of access to condoms for young people across the state, regardless of their geographical location. We would like as many services as possible to recognize the value of providing free condoms to clients and become a part of this chain.

To assist in the development of the protocol, we would like to hear from you, the worker. We would like to know about your experiences with condom distribution, as well as the knowledge and skills you feel you need to be able to distribute condoms effectively within your organisation and role.

The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete. All information collected is confidential and non-identifiable. Your responses and input are valued.

Thank You

The Condom Protocol Project Team

Question Title

* 1. Does your service currently provide free condoms to clients?

Yes

Unsure

Question Title

* 2. If Yes to Q1 how are condoms supplied in your service?

Young people need to ask a worker for them

Condoms are located in baskets around the centre

We have a condom dispenser installed in the restrooms

Condoms are located in baskets in the restrooms

We are a Condom Credit Card (CCC) provider

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 3. If you answered No to Q1 and your service is not currently distributing condoms is it because:

I (or other workers) do not feel confident to give out condoms

It is not supported by the organisation

It is not supported by management

I'm unsure of our legal responsibilities around providing condoms

I didn't know we could access free condoms to supply to clients

Our service doesn't directly deal with clients

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 4. If you have had experience giving condoms to clients, what has been your greatest challenge in providing condoms?

Knowing when to offer them to clients

Raising the topic of condom usage with the client

Not knowing what to say/how to educate clients

Not sure of my responsibility when youth under 16 ask for condoms

Fear that by providing condoms, I am encouraging young people to be sexually active

Fear of community or parent/carer backlash

Not having access to enough condoms to provide to clients

I have not had experience of giving condoms to clients

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 5. If you have had experience in giving condoms to clients, what has been the greatest outcome from providing condoms?

Encouraging discussions on condom use

Contributing to young people's well-being by increasing safe sex practices

Building rapport and trust with young people

Normalising condom use with young people

Empowering young people to make their own choices around their sexual health

I have not had experience of giving condoms to clients

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 6. What skills or knowledge do you need to distribute condoms?

Confidence in bringing up the topic of condom use with young people

Confidence in demonstrating how to correctly use condoms with young people

Building rapport, trust and a strong connection with clients

Information on condoms in terms of their usage and effectiveness

An understanding of the legal aspects of giving out condoms

Knowing my ethical and duty of care responsibilities in giving out condoms

Knowledge of STIs, contraception and STI testing

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 7. What types of resources or information would help you to distribute condoms to young people?

Access to free condoms for our service to provide

Training around condom use and how to promote condoms to young people

Websites or resources I could access with more information

A hardcopy resource with information about condoms and their usage

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 8. What skills/knowledge do you think young people need around condoms to increase their usage?

When to use condoms

Where they can buy/get them from

How to use them correctly

How to discuss condom use in a relationship

Education around sexual health and family planning

Making condoms desirable and cool

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 9. Is there any other information you would like to add or comments you would like to make in regards to condom distribution within your service?

Thank you for completing the survey.