The Unique Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs of Community College Students: Evidence from a National Sample

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) are crucial issues for young adults, and college campuses often provide education and services to support students in this area. However, most research does not delineate the needs of community college students, and the literature focusing solely on community college students has limitations. This study aims to address those shortcomings by investigating potential differences between community and four-year college students’ SRH. Using data from the 2022–23 American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment III, SRH behaviors and conditions were examined among 127,345 students at community colleges and four-year institutions. Initial bivariate differences based on student status at a community college or four-year institution were assessed by chi-square tests. Binomial logistic regressions with institution type and demographics as co-variates were used to identify significant predictors for SRH behaviors and conditions. Chi-square results indicated community college students had lower rates of condom and contraceptive use, were more likely to have ever been tested for HIV and experience a pregnancy in the prior year, and to have ever been diagnosed with endometriosis, Hepatitis B or C, HPV/genital warts, and polycystic ovary syndrome compared to students at four-year institutions. For the regressions, enrollment type remained a significant predictor only for contraception use and being tested for HIV, indicating differences in student demographics contribute more to SRH differences than institution type. This study provides a critically needed examination of college students’ SRH to better understand the unique experiences of community college students and to inform future community college SRH initiatives.