This study examined whether active prompting would increase the number
of free condoms taken from dispensers placed in counselors' offices i
n a cocaine abuse treatment clinic. Using a combined multiple baseline
and reversal design, two teams of counselors were instructed to activ
ely prompt and encourage condom taking during some conditions and to a
void commenting on or encouraging condom use in other conditions. To m
onitor accuracy of implementing the intervention, counselors completed
a checklist for every subject they saw in their office during the day
. Overall, the number of condoms taken per visit during prompting cond
itions was almost six times greater than during baseline conditions. H
owever, implementation declined during the study, and all counselors c
omplained about the intervention. Implications for dispensing free con
doms to reduce HIV risk in drug abuse treatment clinics are discussed.