Objective: To determine whether sexual-risk and STI-testing behaviors differ by college student s... more Objective: To determine whether sexual-risk and STI-testing behaviors differ by college student status. Participants: Sexually experienced 17-to 25-year-olds from a 2013 nationally representative panel survey that evaluated the "Get Yourself Tested" campaign. Non-students (n ¼ 628), 2-yr (n ¼ 319), and 4-yr college students (n ¼ 587) were surveyed. Methods: Bivariate analyses and multiple logistic regression were used. Results: Students were less likely than non-students to have had an early sexual debut and to have not used condoms in their most recent relationship. 4-yr students were less likely than nonstudents to have had multiple sexual partners. 2-yr students were less likely than non-students to have not used contraception in their most recent relationship. Conclusions: 2-yr and 4-yr college students were less likely than non-students to engage in sexual-risk behaviors. Given potentially greater risk for STI acquisition among non-students, identification and implementation of strategies to increase sexual health education and services among this population is needed.
Abstract Objective This case study describes the simultaneous establishment of a campus garden an... more Abstract Objective This case study describes the simultaneous establishment of a campus garden and food pantry at an urban, Hispanic-serving institution. Lessons learned and implications for practice are discussed. Participants: Students, staff, and faculty established a campus garden (February 2016) and food pantry (March 2017). Methods: University administration approved funds to establish both a campus garden and food pantry after adequate student and academic support was provided. Results: Both the campus garden and food pantry aligned with campus initiatives for student success and sustainability. The food pantry had adequate staffing and local partnerships that aided in its success, while the student-led garden struggled with student-turn over, limited financial support, and lack of regulatory guidance that has slowed progress to address food security. Conclusions: Institutions considering these strategies to address food insecurity would benefit from university financial support based on student-relevant data, dedicated staff, students, and faculty, and collaboration with local organizations.
Faculty can play a critical role in supporting college health professionals' efforts to enhance s... more Faculty can play a critical role in supporting college health professionals' efforts to enhance student health and well-being. However, many college health practitioners have expressed concerns about how to effectively engage faculty. This article, written by current faculty who are all former college health professionals, aims to bridge this gap. We propose that some difficulties in working with faculty could be improved by having a more nuanced understanding of faculty roles and expectations, and through identifying ways to leverage faculty duties for mutually beneficial partnerships. First, we describe characteristic faculty responsibilities based on position and institutional type. Next, we provide ideas for potential collaborative opportunities. Then we offer recommended approaches for how to engage faculty and sustain these relationships. We hope these insights will help to strengthen the needed connection between faculty and college health professionals in order to best meet the needs of college students.
AbstractObjectives: As part of a larger Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration... more AbstractObjectives: As part of a larger Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration-funded project in South Texas, this study sought to understand adults’ needs with regard to engagin...
Research studies examining the mental health of transgender individuals often focus on depression... more Research studies examining the mental health of transgender individuals often focus on depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation through the use of clinic samples. However, little is known about the emerging adult (18-26 years old) transgender population and their mental health. The current study seeks to fill that gap by using a national dataset of college students (N = 547,727) to examine how transgender college students (n = 1143) differ from their cisgender peers regarding 12 different mental health conditions. Chi-square and regression analyses were conducted. Results demonstrate that transgender students have approximately twice the risk for most mental health conditions compared to cisgender female students. A notable exception is schizophrenia, in which transgender individuals have about seven times the risk compared to cisgender females. While these were significant findings, regression analyses indicate that being non-heterosexual is a greater predictor for mental health concerns. Implications for mental health practitioners at colleges and universities are discussed.
This article provides an overview of job application strategies for the field of health education... more This article provides an overview of job application strategies for the field of health education. Employment in a non-academic setting is emphasized. Tips for cover letter and resume writing are highlighted.
Objective: To examine changes in diagnoses/treatment for 12 mental health (MH) conditions, previo... more Objective: To examine changes in diagnoses/treatment for 12 mental health (MH) conditions, previous use of campus MH services, and willingness to seek MH services in the future. Participants: ACHA-NCHA II participants from 2009 to 2015 (n ¼ 454,029). Methods: Hierarchical binary logistic regression with step 1 controlling for demographics and step 2 considering time. Results: Time was significant except for bipolar disorder, bulimia, and schizophrenia with increases for all conditions except substance abuse. Anxiety (OR ¼ 1.68), panic attacks (OR ¼ 1.61), and ADHD (OR ¼ 1.40) had the highest odd ratios. Use of MH services at current institution (OR ¼ 1.30) and willingness to utilize services in the future (OR ¼ 1.37) also increased over time. Conclusions: Based on a national sample, self-reported diagnoses/treatment of several MH conditions are increasing among college students. This examination of a variety of MH issues can aid college health professionals to engage institutional stakeholders regarding the resources needed to support college students' MH.
Journal of American college health : J of ACH, 2017
To conduct a trend analysis of Pap test practices, Pap test results and related women's servi... more To conduct a trend analysis of Pap test practices, Pap test results and related women's services and guidelines of college health centers. College health centers who participated in the annual ACHA Pap Test and STI (sexually transmitted infection) Survey years 2004-2014 (n ranged from 127 to 181 depending on year). Descriptive analyses are presented with ANOVAs (Analysis of Variance) and chi-square tests calculated to examine trends over time. The number of Pap tests significantly decreased over time; however, the percentage of normal and HSIL (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) results did not vary. Availability of conventional cytology slides and cryotherapy were significantly associated with year. Over time, college health centers' guidelines related to initiation of Pap testing evolved to consistently conform to national recommendations for cervical screening. The results indicate most college health centers are following the current national guidelines regardin...
Journal of American college health : J of ACH, Jan 13, 2018
To examine characteristics of college students who have previously received mental health (MH) se... more To examine characteristics of college students who have previously received mental health (MH) services on campus and are willing to seek help again in the future. Spring 2015 ACHA-NCHA II (N = 12,501) undergraduate respondents who had previously used MH services on their current campus. Binary logistic regression with willingness to seek MH services in the future as the dependent variable Results: Among students who had already utilized campus MH services, significant predictors for future help-seeking were: female, white, gay/lesbian, those not working for pay, having the college/university health insurance plan, and not currently/previously serving in the military (p<.05). The predictors for willingness to use services in the future were consistent with the existing literature related to initial use. Colleges and universities need to consider factors that influence openness to MH services after a previous experience in addition to initiating care. Implications for college MH p...
ABSTRACT With the advent of the “Dear Colleague” letter in 2011, higher education institutions ha... more ABSTRACT With the advent of the “Dear Colleague” letter in 2011, higher education institutions have become focused on sexual assault and related policies, procedures regarding offenses, and prevention education. Institutions should consider using this spotlight on interpersonal dynamics to increase awareness about other types of relationship violence that may be more common. This secondary data analysis of 72,067 U.S. college students indicates stalking, emotional abuse, and physical abuse are very common. Along with relationship difficulties in general, these forms of relational violence occur more frequently than sexual assault. Implications for counseling and mental health services are provided.
The prevalence and severity of mental health issues are increasing among college students, and su... more The prevalence and severity of mental health issues are increasing among college students, and such issues pose a threat to health and academic performance. Responses from 66,159 undergraduate students about mental health and academics from the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II were examined using regression analyses. Differences in mental health diagnoses were found by classification with first-year students reporting higher rates of self-injury and seriously considering suicide. Upperclassmen reported higher rates of academic impact from mental health factors. Findings indicate one’s first-year of college as the prime time to promote awareness of and strategies to prevent mental health issues or negative academic effects; implications for first-year experience programs are discussed.
To examine college student health centers' practices related to STD screening and treatment over ... more To examine college student health centers' practices related to STD screening and treatment over a five-year period. Participants: College student health centers (SHCs) that completed the ACHA Pap and STI Survey between 2010 and 2014. Methods: Chi-square tests were conducted with Cramer's V providing a measure of association. Results: Chlamydia screening of women under 25 years of age was a well-established practice. Almost one-third of SHCs did not report screening practices of men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) consistent with current chlamydia and gonorrhea guidelines; however, there was
College students are an important priority population, and higher education is an opportune setti... more College students are an important priority population, and higher education is an opportune setting for chronic disease prevention and health promotion. Yet many people do not understand why enhancing the well-being of college students is of value. In this commentary, we address 3 common misperceptions about college health promotion: (1) College students are privileged and do not reflect most of the United States population; (2) college students are generally healthy; and (3) it is not the university's responsibility to focus on students' health. We contend that in actuality, college students increasingly represent the US population; that college students struggle with numerous health concerns and are in fact unhealthier than many other subpopulations; and that institutions of higher education are a unique setting that can not only improve the health of a large segment of the US population but that doing so is actually integral to the mission of higher education. Topics that merit additional research are discussed in an effort to further enhance college health promotion practice.
Many college students today are no longer using the terms straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or tr... more Many college students today are no longer using the terms straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender to self-identify their sexual orientation or gender identity. This commentary explores research related to fluidity of sexual identities, emerging sexual identities used by college students, and how these identities interact with the health and well-being of the student. Additionally, the authors discuss strategies to help college health professionals provide a sensitive environment and clinical experience for students whose sexual identity is fluid.
Journal of Health Behavior and Public Health, Jan 6, 2014
Surveys are an important tool to ascertain necessary information for needs assessment, evaluation... more Surveys are an important tool to ascertain necessary information for needs assessment, evaluation, and other research efforts to inform health promotion programs and services. This article provides information on best practices for survey design and implementation and offers a practical guide based on a review of the literature for health promotion professionals on how to effectively develop and conduct surveys. Evidence-based information on developing a research question, survey modes, types of survey questions, common survey mistakes, survey formatting, pre-testing, sampling, recruitment plan development, and increasing response rate is presented. With proper planning, health promotion professionals can design and implement surveys that will successfully garner the information that they want to know.
To examine whether 6 institutional characteristics were associated with health behavior and outco... more To examine whether 6 institutional characteristics were associated with health behavior and outcomes among college students. Chisquare statistics and ANOVAs were used to determine relationships between institutional characteristics and health issues among undergraduate participants (N = 81,242) for the spring 2011 American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II. Most institutional characteristics were significantly associated with all health issues. However, Cramer&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s V and eta 2 were frequently weak. Relationships between institutional characteristics and health outcomes were complex with few clear patterns. This exploratory study provides insight into environmental influences specific to college health. Future research should consider individual student differences and campus offerings to improve understanding of how the environment affects college student health.
Sleep disorders and deficits are a national U.S. health concern, and college students report more... more Sleep disorders and deficits are a national U.S. health concern, and college students report more sleep difficulties than the general population. Most published studies examine college students as a homogenous population or focus on professional (e.g. medical) students. This study compares sleep patterns of undergraduate and graduate students from a national U.S. sample using the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) II survey. Graduate students on average reported better sleep behaviors; however, graduate students' sleep habits were still poor and these students could also benefit from intervention.
Objective: To determine whether sexual-risk and STI-testing behaviors differ by college student s... more Objective: To determine whether sexual-risk and STI-testing behaviors differ by college student status. Participants: Sexually experienced 17-to 25-year-olds from a 2013 nationally representative panel survey that evaluated the "Get Yourself Tested" campaign. Non-students (n ¼ 628), 2-yr (n ¼ 319), and 4-yr college students (n ¼ 587) were surveyed. Methods: Bivariate analyses and multiple logistic regression were used. Results: Students were less likely than non-students to have had an early sexual debut and to have not used condoms in their most recent relationship. 4-yr students were less likely than nonstudents to have had multiple sexual partners. 2-yr students were less likely than non-students to have not used contraception in their most recent relationship. Conclusions: 2-yr and 4-yr college students were less likely than non-students to engage in sexual-risk behaviors. Given potentially greater risk for STI acquisition among non-students, identification and implementation of strategies to increase sexual health education and services among this population is needed.
Abstract Objective This case study describes the simultaneous establishment of a campus garden an... more Abstract Objective This case study describes the simultaneous establishment of a campus garden and food pantry at an urban, Hispanic-serving institution. Lessons learned and implications for practice are discussed. Participants: Students, staff, and faculty established a campus garden (February 2016) and food pantry (March 2017). Methods: University administration approved funds to establish both a campus garden and food pantry after adequate student and academic support was provided. Results: Both the campus garden and food pantry aligned with campus initiatives for student success and sustainability. The food pantry had adequate staffing and local partnerships that aided in its success, while the student-led garden struggled with student-turn over, limited financial support, and lack of regulatory guidance that has slowed progress to address food security. Conclusions: Institutions considering these strategies to address food insecurity would benefit from university financial support based on student-relevant data, dedicated staff, students, and faculty, and collaboration with local organizations.
Faculty can play a critical role in supporting college health professionals' efforts to enhance s... more Faculty can play a critical role in supporting college health professionals' efforts to enhance student health and well-being. However, many college health practitioners have expressed concerns about how to effectively engage faculty. This article, written by current faculty who are all former college health professionals, aims to bridge this gap. We propose that some difficulties in working with faculty could be improved by having a more nuanced understanding of faculty roles and expectations, and through identifying ways to leverage faculty duties for mutually beneficial partnerships. First, we describe characteristic faculty responsibilities based on position and institutional type. Next, we provide ideas for potential collaborative opportunities. Then we offer recommended approaches for how to engage faculty and sustain these relationships. We hope these insights will help to strengthen the needed connection between faculty and college health professionals in order to best meet the needs of college students.
AbstractObjectives: As part of a larger Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration... more AbstractObjectives: As part of a larger Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration-funded project in South Texas, this study sought to understand adults’ needs with regard to engagin...
Research studies examining the mental health of transgender individuals often focus on depression... more Research studies examining the mental health of transgender individuals often focus on depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation through the use of clinic samples. However, little is known about the emerging adult (18-26 years old) transgender population and their mental health. The current study seeks to fill that gap by using a national dataset of college students (N = 547,727) to examine how transgender college students (n = 1143) differ from their cisgender peers regarding 12 different mental health conditions. Chi-square and regression analyses were conducted. Results demonstrate that transgender students have approximately twice the risk for most mental health conditions compared to cisgender female students. A notable exception is schizophrenia, in which transgender individuals have about seven times the risk compared to cisgender females. While these were significant findings, regression analyses indicate that being non-heterosexual is a greater predictor for mental health concerns. Implications for mental health practitioners at colleges and universities are discussed.
This article provides an overview of job application strategies for the field of health education... more This article provides an overview of job application strategies for the field of health education. Employment in a non-academic setting is emphasized. Tips for cover letter and resume writing are highlighted.
Objective: To examine changes in diagnoses/treatment for 12 mental health (MH) conditions, previo... more Objective: To examine changes in diagnoses/treatment for 12 mental health (MH) conditions, previous use of campus MH services, and willingness to seek MH services in the future. Participants: ACHA-NCHA II participants from 2009 to 2015 (n ¼ 454,029). Methods: Hierarchical binary logistic regression with step 1 controlling for demographics and step 2 considering time. Results: Time was significant except for bipolar disorder, bulimia, and schizophrenia with increases for all conditions except substance abuse. Anxiety (OR ¼ 1.68), panic attacks (OR ¼ 1.61), and ADHD (OR ¼ 1.40) had the highest odd ratios. Use of MH services at current institution (OR ¼ 1.30) and willingness to utilize services in the future (OR ¼ 1.37) also increased over time. Conclusions: Based on a national sample, self-reported diagnoses/treatment of several MH conditions are increasing among college students. This examination of a variety of MH issues can aid college health professionals to engage institutional stakeholders regarding the resources needed to support college students' MH.
Journal of American college health : J of ACH, 2017
To conduct a trend analysis of Pap test practices, Pap test results and related women's servi... more To conduct a trend analysis of Pap test practices, Pap test results and related women's services and guidelines of college health centers. College health centers who participated in the annual ACHA Pap Test and STI (sexually transmitted infection) Survey years 2004-2014 (n ranged from 127 to 181 depending on year). Descriptive analyses are presented with ANOVAs (Analysis of Variance) and chi-square tests calculated to examine trends over time. The number of Pap tests significantly decreased over time; however, the percentage of normal and HSIL (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion) results did not vary. Availability of conventional cytology slides and cryotherapy were significantly associated with year. Over time, college health centers' guidelines related to initiation of Pap testing evolved to consistently conform to national recommendations for cervical screening. The results indicate most college health centers are following the current national guidelines regardin...
Journal of American college health : J of ACH, Jan 13, 2018
To examine characteristics of college students who have previously received mental health (MH) se... more To examine characteristics of college students who have previously received mental health (MH) services on campus and are willing to seek help again in the future. Spring 2015 ACHA-NCHA II (N = 12,501) undergraduate respondents who had previously used MH services on their current campus. Binary logistic regression with willingness to seek MH services in the future as the dependent variable Results: Among students who had already utilized campus MH services, significant predictors for future help-seeking were: female, white, gay/lesbian, those not working for pay, having the college/university health insurance plan, and not currently/previously serving in the military (p<.05). The predictors for willingness to use services in the future were consistent with the existing literature related to initial use. Colleges and universities need to consider factors that influence openness to MH services after a previous experience in addition to initiating care. Implications for college MH p...
ABSTRACT With the advent of the “Dear Colleague” letter in 2011, higher education institutions ha... more ABSTRACT With the advent of the “Dear Colleague” letter in 2011, higher education institutions have become focused on sexual assault and related policies, procedures regarding offenses, and prevention education. Institutions should consider using this spotlight on interpersonal dynamics to increase awareness about other types of relationship violence that may be more common. This secondary data analysis of 72,067 U.S. college students indicates stalking, emotional abuse, and physical abuse are very common. Along with relationship difficulties in general, these forms of relational violence occur more frequently than sexual assault. Implications for counseling and mental health services are provided.
The prevalence and severity of mental health issues are increasing among college students, and su... more The prevalence and severity of mental health issues are increasing among college students, and such issues pose a threat to health and academic performance. Responses from 66,159 undergraduate students about mental health and academics from the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II were examined using regression analyses. Differences in mental health diagnoses were found by classification with first-year students reporting higher rates of self-injury and seriously considering suicide. Upperclassmen reported higher rates of academic impact from mental health factors. Findings indicate one’s first-year of college as the prime time to promote awareness of and strategies to prevent mental health issues or negative academic effects; implications for first-year experience programs are discussed.
To examine college student health centers' practices related to STD screening and treatment over ... more To examine college student health centers' practices related to STD screening and treatment over a five-year period. Participants: College student health centers (SHCs) that completed the ACHA Pap and STI Survey between 2010 and 2014. Methods: Chi-square tests were conducted with Cramer's V providing a measure of association. Results: Chlamydia screening of women under 25 years of age was a well-established practice. Almost one-third of SHCs did not report screening practices of men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) consistent with current chlamydia and gonorrhea guidelines; however, there was
College students are an important priority population, and higher education is an opportune setti... more College students are an important priority population, and higher education is an opportune setting for chronic disease prevention and health promotion. Yet many people do not understand why enhancing the well-being of college students is of value. In this commentary, we address 3 common misperceptions about college health promotion: (1) College students are privileged and do not reflect most of the United States population; (2) college students are generally healthy; and (3) it is not the university's responsibility to focus on students' health. We contend that in actuality, college students increasingly represent the US population; that college students struggle with numerous health concerns and are in fact unhealthier than many other subpopulations; and that institutions of higher education are a unique setting that can not only improve the health of a large segment of the US population but that doing so is actually integral to the mission of higher education. Topics that merit additional research are discussed in an effort to further enhance college health promotion practice.
Many college students today are no longer using the terms straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or tr... more Many college students today are no longer using the terms straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender to self-identify their sexual orientation or gender identity. This commentary explores research related to fluidity of sexual identities, emerging sexual identities used by college students, and how these identities interact with the health and well-being of the student. Additionally, the authors discuss strategies to help college health professionals provide a sensitive environment and clinical experience for students whose sexual identity is fluid.
Journal of Health Behavior and Public Health, Jan 6, 2014
Surveys are an important tool to ascertain necessary information for needs assessment, evaluation... more Surveys are an important tool to ascertain necessary information for needs assessment, evaluation, and other research efforts to inform health promotion programs and services. This article provides information on best practices for survey design and implementation and offers a practical guide based on a review of the literature for health promotion professionals on how to effectively develop and conduct surveys. Evidence-based information on developing a research question, survey modes, types of survey questions, common survey mistakes, survey formatting, pre-testing, sampling, recruitment plan development, and increasing response rate is presented. With proper planning, health promotion professionals can design and implement surveys that will successfully garner the information that they want to know.
To examine whether 6 institutional characteristics were associated with health behavior and outco... more To examine whether 6 institutional characteristics were associated with health behavior and outcomes among college students. Chisquare statistics and ANOVAs were used to determine relationships between institutional characteristics and health issues among undergraduate participants (N = 81,242) for the spring 2011 American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment II. Most institutional characteristics were significantly associated with all health issues. However, Cramer&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s V and eta 2 were frequently weak. Relationships between institutional characteristics and health outcomes were complex with few clear patterns. This exploratory study provides insight into environmental influences specific to college health. Future research should consider individual student differences and campus offerings to improve understanding of how the environment affects college student health.
Sleep disorders and deficits are a national U.S. health concern, and college students report more... more Sleep disorders and deficits are a national U.S. health concern, and college students report more sleep difficulties than the general population. Most published studies examine college students as a homogenous population or focus on professional (e.g. medical) students. This study compares sleep patterns of undergraduate and graduate students from a national U.S. sample using the American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment (ACHA-NCHA) II survey. Graduate students on average reported better sleep behaviors; however, graduate students' sleep habits were still poor and these students could also benefit from intervention.
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