Examining resources to promote sexual health and address sexual violence at community colleges across the United States: a qualitative study
<b>Objective:</b> To explore resources and approaches that exist at community colleges to promote student sexual health and prevent/respond to sexual violence. <b>Participants:</b> Administrators, faculty, and staff involved in efforts to promote sexual and relationship health (SRH) at community colleges across the U.S. (<i>N =</i> 33). <b>Methods:</b> In-depth interviews were conducted <i>via</i> web-conferencing software from 2022-2023. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using an iterative inductive thematic analysis. <b>Results:</b> Six themes emerged. On-campus SRH resources are limited and colleges rely on community-based resources. College personnel view their role as a bridge for students to access resources - sometimes highlighting extensive partnerships with community organizations - and helping students overcome barriers to care. Differences in approaches to addressing sexual violence versus sexual health were revealed, and several characteristics of effective resources were illuminated. <b>Conclusions:</b> Community colleges work within logistic, budgetary, and cultural constraints and often struggle to provide students with comprehensive and accessible SRH resources.
Authors
- Tracy M. Scull (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9894-8654)
- Christina V. Malik (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9284-0004)
- Reina Evans-Paulson (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7397-6969)
Institutions
- Innovation Research and Training (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Journal of American College Health
- Published
- 2024-11-21
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2024.2427054
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.93
Funders
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development