Learning Objective #1: List three factors placing nursing students at risk of limited or no access to primary health services

Learning Objective #2: Describe the potential impact of nursing students unmet personal health care needs on student academic success

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Objective: Inadequate access to preventive and primary care services is linked to poorer health status, delay of diagnosis, and increased morbidity in individuals with acute and chronic disease. Upwards of 25% of the U.S. population is uninsured and underserved. American College Health Association data (unpublished) show 8-10% of college students are uninsured. Currently there is no published data regarding incidence, risk factors, and impact of lack of access to health care for nursing students. The purpose of this study was to assess nursing student's access to preventive and primary health services, and the impact of lack of access on student's academic success.

Design and Methods: This nonexperimental study used a survey tool to obtain comprehensive quantitative and qualitative data from college of nursing students at an eastern Texas university. The university did not provide student health services. In addition to surveys, qualitative data was collected during focus groups conducted at all three university campuses.

Sample: All college of nursing students were given the opportunity to voluntarily complete the survey. 425 of 450 nursing students completed the survey tool. 49 student volunteers participated in focus groups.

Findings: Quantitative data analysis demonstrated 30% of nursing students meet the criteria for an underserved population. 33% were uninsured and 32% needed health care they could not access while enrolled. Risk factors for lack of access include age, with 64% of 25-30 year old students being uninsured, single parents (54% uninsured), and ethnicity (African-American, 44% uninsured). Underserved status did correlate with a lower grade point average. 90% of students strongly support on site campus primary care services, even if an additional health services fee is required.

An outcome of this study was establishment of an on site campus clinic and initiation of health promotion/ disease prevention outreach directed by College of Nursing faculty and students.