Hello World pt.2
I have undergone some drastic topic changes since my last blog and thus will use this second post as a re-introduction; Hello World part two.
Perhaps the best way to explain where my research will head and what I will focus on will be through describing the thought process that led to my topic, to understand the relationship between the student health center and the health behaviors of the student population, as it pertains to sexual health.
Originally wanting to understand the broad relationship between health behaviors and health systems, namely how the type of institution one belongs to and/or the type of services one has access to influences one’s health-seeking behavior and attitudes, it was evident this had to be narrowed down. I then decided to focus in on one health system and population — that present at USC. However the health system present at USC, the Engemaan student health center, is still a very broad institution and the health-related behaviors of USC students are still very complex. Thus from here I decided to focus more specifically on sexual health, an issue of high importance and sensitivity, particularly on college campuses.
In my exploration of this topic I hope to gain a better understanding of the services that are provided by USC and by the health center, and if/how these are able to bring about positive behavior change in students. Risky sexual behavior is particularly prevalent on college campuses and thus it is extremely important that a meaningful effort is made to educate and protect students. From the school side, I want to look into the sexual education that is given to incoming freshman, the free condoms provided in various locations, the testing and screening techniques offered, and the overall presence of (female) gynecologists. When evaluating student behaviors I want to gauge: how much knowledge the student population has on the services that are available for them; how they feel about coverage; their attitudes towards STI testing; and finally the extent to which they feel there is a support network present for sexual health-related queries and concerns. Finally, seeing a gynecologist, and especially a female one, is often a difficult task at USC. Coupled with this is a concern for birth control access, which is considerably harder to obtain here than in other countries. In addition to my exploration of sexual health I hope to explore reproductive health too and learn more about the GYNO services offered and used at USC.
Typically STI rates are most common among college students, while testing rates are often low, as are rates of condom use. Coupled with heavy drinking behavior, students are prone to make many risky sexual decisions. Even more serious are cases of rape, sexual assault, HIV/AIDS, and unintended pregnancies. These are all issues that college students face yet are majorly undereducated about. I hope that my research will not only delve into these issues of greater concern, but also allow me to recognize areas of improvement in our on-campus health system.
College is very much a defining moment in many people’s lives, as much as it is a time for people to develop and explore their sexuality. This makes colleges students particularly at risks for related health concerns, as well as in need of strong education and resources as they form their sexual practices. I am excited to learn more about what the student health center offers, as well as to hear insights from doctors and nurses who handle student patients every day. Likewise it will be interesting to hear how my peers approach the issue of sexual health and how they have formed their opinions and practices.
