Assessing Underutilization of Mental Health Resources at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU)

In 2018, a survey was conducted with students on a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) campus that showed a significant lack of utilization of both on and off campus mental health resources. The primary outcome of this survey is to evaluate lack of utilization of mental health resources at an HBCU to effectively promote student mental wellness.

A short electronic survey was administered to students to assess underutilization.

Subjects were predominately African American (60.24%) and female (85.53%). Of the 159 surveys completed, 13 responded they have used on campus mental health resources. Approximately 61.5% (8/13) are satisfied or very satisfied with the services. 29 responded they have used off campus mental health resources. Approximately 41.4% (12/29) are satisfied or very satisfied with the services. 62 (39%) responded that time constraint was a barrier faced in utilizing mental health resources. 60 (38%) responded that they did not feel that mental health resources were currently needed. 40 (25%) responded that they were not aware of mental health resources available. There is a significant association between classification and comfort level continuing to utilize mental health resources on or off campus (p = 0.02).

There are multiple barriers that have attributed to the underutilization of mental health resources. According to the results of this survey, the majority of students lacked time to utilize or denied need for any mental health resources. These results will allow for an opportunity to improve utilization of both on and off campus mental health resources.