The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #68397

Mary S. Prince, PhD, MPH¹, Suzan Boyd, DrPH², and Gabrielle Bargerstock, MPH². (1) Health Promotion Works, P.O. Box 706, Pawleys Island, SC 29585, 843-527-4584, mprince@sccoast.net, (2) South Carolina Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, 1511 Gregg St, Columbia, SC 29201

Every 48 minutes a teenager in South Carolina gets pregnant. Of the 10,732 estimated teen pregnancies in 2000, 62% were among women between the ages of 18 – 19 years and the rate of pregnancy in this age group continues to increase. The purpose of the College Teen Pregnancy Prevention Project (CTPPP) is to address what institutions of higher learning in SC are doing to prevent pregnancies among first year college students. In Fall 2002, an on-line pre-tested survey was sent to 49 undergraduate schools, ranging from junior colleges and tech schools to four year universities, to determine the degree of reproductive health services and educational programs they offered on campuses. The 36 question survey measured institution demographics, reproductive health courses, access to reproductive health services (including contraceptives), and campus life. Thirty-five completed surveys were returned (71%). Preliminary results show 82% of the institutions offer College 101/Freshman Seminar for incoming freshman, however only 44% of these courses contain a component on sexual health, primarily focusing on STIs. Only 15% of the courses address pregnancy prevention and contraception. Twelve schools have peer educator programs but only 7 of these programs present information on sexual health. Sixty-three percent of the schools (22) have student health services on campus. Half of student health centers offer “contraception services” on campus, primarily condoms at no charge. Analysis by type of institution is also planned. These data suggest advocacy for onsite reproductive health services at schools of higher learning in SC is imperative.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, the participants will be able to:
• Discuss the problem of teen pregnancy in 18 – 19 year old college women
• Describe the problem identification process used by the CTPPP
• Identify pro’s and con’s of using on-line surveys for assessments
• Articulate the problem of access to reproductive health education and services on the campuses of South Carolina institutions of higher learning
• Construct a plan of action to advocate for reproductive health services for women attending undergraduate degree programs

Keywords: Access and Services, College Students

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.