By Allison Doty Daily Evergreen staff Many college students may be uninformed about safer sex, according to a study released Sept. 19 by The Kaplan Thaler Group, the company that makes Trojan condoms.

The Trojan Sexual Health Report Card ranks 100 U.S. colleges and universities on the amount of sexual-health-related information that was available to students from February to May 2006, featuring at least one college from each state, according to a Trojan news release.

Yale topped the list, while WSU ranked No. 62. Brigham Young University came in last.

Schools were chosen for their sizes and familiarity to the public, according to the study.

Each school was evaluated in seven categories: n An informative and helpful Web site n Condom advice and availability n Information available on contraception and the different types n HIV and sexually transmitted infection testing n Sexual assault services n The presence of an advice column or question-and-answer feature in student newspapers or school Web sites n Lecture and outreach programs Schools were given scores from one to 10 in each of these categories, and this score was translated into a letter grade equivalent. WSU received an F grade in condom advice and availability.

“Condom advice and condoms are offered through the HIV Peer Counseling program at Health and Wellness Services,” said Marsha Turnbull, health education administrator for Health and Wellness Services.

Students who visit Heal––h and Wellness Services for HIV or syphilis testing are also offered free condoms and dental dams, and can get a demonstration on how to properly use condoms. The center also gives out information about STIs, and has outreach programs for groups and residence halls when requested, Turnbull said. WSU also received an F for not having an advice column in its student newspaper. The Daily Evergreen does not currently run a regular sex advice column, though having one is not uncommon. According to the study, 32 percent of schools have a sex advice column online or in the school paper.

WSU scored higher on its Web site, landing a B for sexual-health-related information available online. “The Cougar Health Awareness Team has a Web site called ‘Healthy Coug’ that has information on relationships, safer sex and women’s and men’s health issues,” Turnbull said. This Web site can be accessed at www.hws.wsu.edu/healthycoug/.

WSU received a B grade for HIV and STI testing. Health and Wellness offers testing services for chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV and syphilis. A chlamydia or gonorrhea test costs $18, but HIV and syphilis testing is available for free, Turnbull said. Of the 100 surveyed schools, 24 percent offered free syphilis and HIV testing.

Trojan estimated that in the U.S. this year, 19 million people will be diagnosed with an STI, adding to the 65 million Americans already living with incurable ones. Health and Wellness does not track positive and negative testings, but 1,003 students were tested for chlamydia and 337 for HIV in 2005, said Mary Steed, nurse coordinator for Health and Wellness Services. The study gave WSU a B for sexual assault counseling and services for each school. Criteria included sexual assault Web sites, counseling availability and 24-hour hotlines.

“Our [Health and Wellness] counseling services have nurses that are Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner trained,” Turnbull said. “Their role includes interviewing and physical exams to collect appropriate evidence, along with victim education regarding sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy risks.” Other sexual assault counseling services are available through Counseling Services and Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse, a local nonprofit organization.