Access to on-campus contraception on college and university campuses in North Carolina

Unintended pregnancies occur more frequently in college students and negatively affect health outcomes and educational attainment. This study examined access to on-campus contraceptives at all 4-year colleges and universities in North Carolina (NC).

This institutional review board-exempt study evaluated availability of on-campus contraceptives including condoms; hormonal contraceptives including pills, patches, and vaginal rings; medroxyprogesterone injections; implants; intrauterine devices; and emergency contraception via website review. Institutions were stratified by characteristics including size, location, type (e.g., public, private, religious affiliation, historically black colleges and universities, women's colleges), and presence of a student health pharmacy. Comparisons were made using chi-square test or Fisher's exact test.

Fifty-four 4-year colleges and universities were identified. A plurality or the majority of schools were considered small (41%) and urban (48%) and had a religious affiliation (61%). Thirty-three percent of colleges and universities had an on-campus pharmacy. The most frequent contraceptives offered were condoms (43%), oral contraceptives (33%), and medroxyprogesterone injections (22%). Emergency contraception was available at approximately one-third of colleges and universities. Six percent of institutions provided a full range of contraceptive methods. Contraceptives were offered more frequently at large, public, urban institutions, whereas religious institutions and smaller institutions were less likely to offer contraceptives.

Access to on-campus contraception for college students in NC is lacking, and the vast majority of institutions did not provide a full range of contraceptives. Policy measures, such as enhancing reproductive health services at student health centers or increasing contraception availability directly through pharmacies, are needed to improve access for college students.