Contraception information on the websites of student health centers in the United States

Abstract

ObjectiveAs University Student Health Centers are considered reputable sources of information by many young adults, we evaluate the presence of contraceptive information on their websites. Study DesignWe used a software tool (Quantitative Measures of Online Health Information), designed for public health research to examine online information access on four broad categories of contraception and reproductive health (LARC/injectables, Contraception, Condom, Pap test) on student health center websites from all (591) public four-year universities across the United States between July to September 2020. Using a logistic regression model, we documented factors that are associated with information disparities. ResultsOur sample consisted of 545 public universities after excluding those for which information was unavailable. In 357 (66%) of the universities in our sample, we found evidence of some information related to contraception. A one percentage point increase in the student population that are Pell grant recipients, an indicator of the proportion of low-income students enrolled, is associated with a 3% to 6% (0.01<p<0.05) decrease in the odds of the presence of contraception information. A one percentage point increase in the student population that is female is associated with a 3% to 6% (0.01<p<0.1) increase in the odds of the presence of contraception information. Universities that offer medical degrees have an 82% (p<0.1) higher odds of providing information for LARC/injectables on their websites. Universities that have an institutional size of more than 10,000 students are almost four times (p<0.01) as likely to have contraception information on their websites relative to those with a smaller institutional size. ConclusionsInformation on contraception on University student health center websites is associated with on a host of factors related to student demographics, institutional characteristics, and university location. ImplicationsExamining student health center websites for contraception information can reveal important systemic gaps, especially at universities that serve nontraditional or vulnerable groups. An ongoing review is necessary to ensure equal access for all college students.