Oxford, Mississippi: A Shift in Attitudes Towards Condom Use Among Students
As students press through the entrance of the campus gym at the University of Mississippi, it’s hard to ignore an overflowing bowl of condoms waiting for anyone who might need one. Though there’s an air of laughter as some students pass by, the reality is that very few reach into the bowl. In fact, while it’s restocked multiple times a day, there seems to be a noticeable disinterest among young adults in using condoms.
Recent trends suggest that fewer young people are engaging in sexual activity, and among those who are, regular condom use is declining. This shift has significant implications, especially considering that individuals aged 15 to 24 represented half of all new cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis reported in 2022. Public health experts are taking note of this trend and seeking ways to promote safe sex practices.
Why the Disinterest?
Several factors contribute to this downward trend. Medical advancements, such as long-term birth control options and medications designed to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs), have fundamentally changed the landscape of sexual health. Moreover, the fear of contracting HIV has dimmed over the years, leading to complacency around using condoms.
Dr. Joseph Cherabie, the medical director of the St. Louis HIV Prevention Training Center, contrasts today’s messaging with past condom advertising, which often invoked fear. He says the current focus is about what works for the individual rather than scaremongering.
The atmosphere in downtown Oxford teemed with energy a day before the seasonal football game; however, many college students overflowed bars, seemingly unconcerned about condom use. Magan Perry, a senior and president of the Public Health Student Association, noted that for many, requesting a condom is simply a “big, ‘uh, no,’” indicating a general disinterest in their use.
Societal Stigmas and Outdated Views
Women often find themselves in the position of having to initiate condom use, which can lead to uncomfortable situations. Perry referred to instances where men respond dismissively when women suggest using a condom, believing it’s unnecessary. “Some might say, ‘If you don’t trust me, then I shouldn’t even be here,’” Perry points out, revealing a troubling trend where women carry the ultimate responsibility for safe practices rather than sharing it.
With dating apps and casual sex becoming the norm, Annie Loomis, a University of Washington student, highlights another challenge: discerning what a “healthy sexual relationship” looks like. Loomis believes that if someone declines to use a condom, the answer should be a straightforward “no” to sex. Unfortunately, it’s often more complicated.
The Rise of Alternatives
While fear tends to drive condom use, advances in medical options like the pill and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention overshadow traditional methods. A new option called doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis, or doxy PEP, which may help prevent chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, is gaining traction but must be prescribed by a healthcare provider.
At the same time, a cursory examination of the existing sexual education programs shows serious gaps. In Mississippi, public schools are restricted from discussing condom demonstrations, which further isolates students from understanding their options for safe sex. This gap is reflected in the state’s alarmingly high teen birth rate, as students lack comprehensive education regarding their bodies and health.
The Need for Comprehensive Education
While the state struggles to provide adequate sex education, other areas, such as Oregon, have extensive standards that include practical demonstrations on safe sex practices. In Mississippi, however, conversations around sex often don’t even reach the classroom. Josh McCawley, from Teen Health Mississippi, acknowledges that the outcomes of inconsistent education can lead to significant public health issues.
Michelle Slaybaugh, a director of educational programs, argues that young people deserve access to comprehensive sexual education. “We would never send someone off to war without the proper training,” she says. “So why send young people off to college without the tools they need to safeguard their health?”
The conversation around condom use highlights a broader issue—the ongoing evolution of young adults’ sexual health awareness and safety practices. As attitudes shift, it is essential to ensure that students from Oxford to anywhere else receive the education, resources, and encouragement necessary for responsible decision-making.
