High rates of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancy continue to plague young adults in the USA with low condom use a contributing factor. To better understand condom acquisition, errors, and breakage among US cisgender college students, a survey was conducted across six structurally diverse institutions of higher education in 2019–2020 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students who had used external condoms in the last year (N = 1584) were asked about specific on- and off-campus locations of condom acquisition and practices related to condom use. Findings indicate that students most frequently acquired condoms off-campus with location differences between genders and relationship status. Condom errors were common, with no consistent patterns related to gender, but unpartnered students were more likely than those in relationships to experience condom errors. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that relationship status, applying condom on wrong side, adding condom after sex started, removing condom during sex, condom slipping off, and problems with fit were predictors for condom breakage. The study results provide guidance for healthcare and sexuality education professionals working with college students to better address the differing needs of college students regarding condom acquisition and correct condom use.

性传播感染和意外怀孕的高发生率继续困扰着美国的年轻人，而安全套使用率低是一个促成因素。为了更好地了解美国顺性别大学生的安全套获取、错误和破损情况，我们在 2019 年至 2020 年 COVID-19 大流行之前对六所结构多元化的高等教育机构进行了一项调查。去年使用过外用安全套的学生（ N = 1584）被问及校内和校外获取安全套的具体地点以及与安全套使用相关的做法。调查结果表明，学生最常在校外购买安全套，其性别和关系状况之间存在地点差异。安全套错误很常见，与性别没有一致的模式，但没有伴侣的学生比有恋爱关系的学生更有可能出现安全套错误。多变量逻辑回归表明，关系状态、安全套戴反面、性行为开始后添加安全套、性交过程中取出安全套、安全套滑落以及合身问题是安全套破裂的预测因素。研究结果为与大学生合作的医疗保健和性教育专业人员提供指导，以更好地满足大学生在安全套获取和正确使用安全套方面的不同需求。