Abstract
Most college students are sexually active, and high-risk sexual behaviors are common in this population. College health services
typically offer sexual health resources, but the extent varies widely and these services may be under-utilized by students.
Understanding how a diverse sample of students views college health resources is a critical step towards more effectively
addressing students’ sexual health needs. Seventy-eight students (mean age = 20.5) from five Minnesota colleges participated
in “go-along” interviews in 2010. Colleges included both two- and four-year institutions in metropolitan and non-metro locations,
and the student sample was diverse. Participants led researchers around their campus physically and virtually to explore sexual
health resources in that setting. Transcribed recordings were coded and organized into descriptive categories. Top resources
identified by students included condom distribution programs (88.5 %), on-campus health clinics (80.8 %), off-campus clinics
(75.6 %), and sexual health information (71.8 %). Important differences were noted between students at two- and four-year
colleges. Students offered many reflections on positive and negative aspects of each resource and suggestions for making resources
accessible, comfortable, and useful. Increased communication about available resources was a priority for students. College
health service staff and administrators should consider the types of sexual health resources students are interested in, the
qualities they value in these resources, and ways to make them available to students. Specific implications for expanding
resources may differ in two- vs. four-year colleges.
typically offer sexual health resources, but the extent varies widely and these services may be under-utilized by students.
Understanding how a diverse sample of students views college health resources is a critical step towards more effectively
addressing students’ sexual health needs. Seventy-eight students (mean age = 20.5) from five Minnesota colleges participated
in “go-along” interviews in 2010. Colleges included both two- and four-year institutions in metropolitan and non-metro locations,
and the student sample was diverse. Participants led researchers around their campus physically and virtually to explore sexual
health resources in that setting. Transcribed recordings were coded and organized into descriptive categories. Top resources
identified by students included condom distribution programs (88.5 %), on-campus health clinics (80.8 %), off-campus clinics
(75.6 %), and sexual health information (71.8 %). Important differences were noted between students at two- and four-year
colleges. Students offered many reflections on positive and negative aspects of each resource and suggestions for making resources
accessible, comfortable, and useful. Increased communication about available resources was a priority for students. College
health service staff and administrators should consider the types of sexual health resources students are interested in, the
qualities they value in these resources, and ways to make them available to students. Specific implications for expanding
resources may differ in two- vs. four-year colleges.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s13178-012-0087-0
- Authors
- Marla E. Eisenberg, Division of Adolescent Health and Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
- Carolyn M. Garcia, School of Nursing, University of Minnesota, 308 Harvard St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Ellen A. Frerich, Division of Adolescent Health and Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
- Kate E. Lechner, Division of Adolescent Health and Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, 717 Delaware St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414, USA
- Katherine A. Lust, Boynton Health Service, University of Minnesota, 410 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Journal Sexuality Research and Social Policy
- Online ISSN 1553-6610
- Print ISSN 1868-9884