Attitudes toward health care needs and utilization of a university health center among LGBT and non-LGBT college students

Abstract

Objective: First, to examine general health care attitudes and health care utilization of a University Health Service (UHS) at a large university. Second, to identify differences between LGBT and non-LBGT students. Participants: 2,943 university students were surveyed in Spring 2013; 7.8% LGBT, 67% undergraduate and 65% female. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods online survey to assess health care utilization and attitudes. Results: A majority had utilized UHS and held positive attitudes in general. LGBT students were more likely to: use UHS for ongoing care, mental health, and preventive care; report concerns about utilization (e.g. confidentiality, sensitivity, and discrimination issues); report provider discomfort discussing sexuality; and hold positive attitudes toward the health care needs of LGBT students. Conclusions: University health centers have an important role in student health. Barriers to care should be removed, including perceived discrimination. Student health center staff should be trained on LGBT health issues.

Keywords:

• LGBT
• college health
• student health
• university

Conflict of interest disclosure

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of the United States of America and received approval from the University of Kentucky.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by a grant from the American College Health Foundation. The contents of this paper are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent official views of the ACHF or the ACHA.