Work

Student Health Services at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions in the United States

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Student health services are associated with improved health outcomes and academic success, particularly among under-resourced college populations. This study compared student health services at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs) and identified factors associated with the availability of comprehensive health services (CHS). Methods: =167). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were undertaken to identify institutional variables associated with providing CHS. Institutional variables included college type (public vs. private), MSI category (HBCU vs. PBI), undergraduate enrollment, location, and proportion of Pell grant recipients. Results: =0.014). Institutions with more Pell Grant recipients were less likely to offer CHS. Conclusions: Access to health care is an important social determinant of health, academic persistence, and achievement for college students. HBCUs were significantly more likely than PBIs to offer CHS. HBCUs are more likely than PBIs to have resources from federal funding, donors, and endowments that may support the development of student health centers and services. Increased funding for PBI health centers could improve access and promote health equity among the most vulnerable student populations.

Source: Health Equity

DOI: 10.1089/heq.2023.0219

Authors: Susan D. Mueller, Melissa A. Sutherland, M. Katherine Hutchinson, Bing Si, Yu Ding, Somatra L. Connolly

Institutions: Tompkins Cortland Community College, University of Rhode Island, Binghamton University

Language: English

Topic: School Health and Nursing Education

Subfield: Speech and Hearing

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Reduced inequalities, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $950