Mental Health of Students of Prairie View A&M University and Discrepancies in the Lack of Awareness and Access to Care 1Department
Sydney L. Gore1,2,3 and Quincy C. Moore, Ph.D. 1,2 of Biology, Marvin D. and June Samuel Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences, 2The Honors Program, 3Undergraduate Medical Academy Prairie View A & M University, Prairie View, TX 77446
RESULTS
ABSTRACT Mental illness is a rapidly increasing issue among young adults pursuing higher education. For those attending college at Prairie View A&M University, receiving mental health care is particularly difficult. The current study consists of 80, 18-23-year-old, undergraduate students and examine their self- reported various mental health states and how it can directly relate to a lack of access to care, lack of awareness of mental health topics, or a result of the two. The study, conducted via a quantitative approach, used survey questionnaires via Qualtrics. 67% are female, 30% are male, and 1% are other. Results indicate high rates of mental illness, including depression and anxiety like symptoms, among our sample population. While only 10% have been clinically diagnosed with mental illnesses, 40% of the sample population selfidentified as having one or more mental health problems; these include but are not limited to depression, anxiety, eating disorders and other body disorders, etc. Out of the 40% of the sample population that self-reported having varying forms of emotional detriment, 30% reported it as a direct result of attending college, while 77% generally believe college has negatively impacted them emotionally. 53% have developed adverse behaviors from these negative emotions including but not limited to Of those affected approximately 10% go to the counseling center regularly on campus. Approximately 20% of participants have sought off campus resources, while 15% express the desire. 76% of participants selected that they would like to see more inclusivity, awareness, and mental health treatment options available on the campus with 72% directly answering that they themselves would use them if they existed. In conclusion, the undergraduates have expressed that they do not receive adequate care regarding their mental health issues provided by the institution.
Figure 3: Clinical Diagnosis of Respondents
The number of mental health facilities within a 50 mile radius of PVAMU campus
Figure 1: Treatment center count (50 mile radius)
Figure 2: Treatment center locations (50 mile radius)
Figure 4: Self Diagnosis of Respondents
Figure 5: Timelines of Self Diagnosis
Figure 7: Effects of College/Academics on Type of Self Diagnosis
Figure 8: Respondent Usage of Campus Facilities
Figure 6: : Effects of College/ Academics on Self Diagnosis
HYPOTHESIS The various resources regarding mental health (including treatment) provided by Prairie View A&M University on and both off the Prairie View A&M campus lacks awareness, information, and options for proper treatment when it comes to addressing students well being and the self reported ubiquity of mental illness.
METHODS
21 Question Survey was utilized to conduct a qualitative study on college students ages 18-23.
DATA ANALYSIS
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Via the results of the 21 question survey, results show that there is a lack of awareness, inclusive activities, and treatment and/or service options on the PVAMU campus. Reference research studies show that every 1 in 5 college enrolled student aged 18-25, suffer from a mental illness (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Supported by this research ,91% of total respondents wish to see more mental health services suggesting there is a greater need for mental health awareness.
POSTERS AND REPORTS
Figure 9: Expressed Respondent Need for More Campus Services
REFERENCES Boyraz, G., Horne, S. G., Owens, A. C., Armstrong, A. P., & Boyraz, G. (2016). Depressive symptomatology and college persistence among african american college students.Journal of General Psychology, 143(2), 144160. Howard, D. L., Boyd, C. L., Kalsbeek, B., & Godley, P. A. (2010). Developing survey research infrastructure at an historically black College/university to address health disparities.American Journal of Health Studies, 25(3), 149-155. Nealy, M. J. (2007). Addressing the mental health ailments facing black college students.Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, 24(21), 19. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=t th&AN=27690936&site=ehost-live Acknowledgements R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) and Biology Department LSAMP,, Prairie View A&M University.
