Evaluating Health Services and Information on Community College Campuses

ABSTRACT

This study’s objective was to evaluate community college students’ access to health services, resources, and information. Five diverse Western Washington CC campuses, from June to December 2016, were evaluated. Accessibility, information, and privacy were the three variables of interest. Data were collected from three sources; first, field observation, which included field notes and visual documentation. Second, administrative and health services staff interviews were conducted. Third, websites and social media accounts were viewed. Findings include that there were no on-site health centers, and counseling and other health resources had mixed availability. The available health resources were unknown to many staff. Information on websites was difficult to locate but represented available services. Health information posted on social media was rare. Privacy was a challenge around health services and information. Findings support a need for increased knowledge of staff and effective dissemination of health information through websites and social media.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the University of Washington STD/AIDS Research Training Fellowship Program, NIH T32 AI07140 [Grant Number 4T32AI007140-39].