A team of faculty, staff from the student health center and the counseling center, and student representatives formed the Student Wellness Committee. This group conducted a needs assessment on student health services and counseling services at a Midwestern university. A pilot study was conducted during the Fall of 1999. The final survey was administered during the Spring of 2000 to 308 college students. Participants qualified for a raffle of bookstore gift certificates. Results showed a lack of awareness regarding the following health care services: minor surgical procedures, routine and travel immunization, gynecology, health education, referrals, and laboratory services. Barriers to the use of health care services were scheduling conflicts and lack of parking. The findings also showed a lack of awareness regarding the following services of the counseling center: referrals, consultations, alcohol education, alcohol and other drugs assessment, dealing with test anxiety, study skills, computer based testing, career counseling, and support groups. The majority (70.8 %) of the participants reported that they would feel comfortable seeking counseling services. Participants reported that their most important source of help were their friends. The information obtained in this survey will be used as the foundation to develop programs to enhance the well being of students at this university.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, the participants will be able to: 1. Identify barriers to access student health services and the counseling center. 2. Evaluate areas of focus for developing programs related to health and counseling services. 3. Rank sources of help available for students.
Keywords: College Students, Access to Health Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.