Keywords

Sexual and reproductive health access; racial and ethnic minority students; college health disparities; community college students; culturally competent care; health equity in higher education

Abstract

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is critical for individual well-being, yet significant disparities in access persist among racial and ethnic minority college students in the United States. These inequities, driven by systemic barriers such as financial constraints, cultural stigmas, and inadequate campus resources, contribute to higher rates of unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and poor health outcomes within these populations. This systematic review aims to identify and synthesize existing literature on the barriers to SRH access for racial and ethnic minority college students, explore how cultural, social, and institutional factors influence service utilization, and assess interventions proven effective in improving SRH outcomes.

Using a structured approach guided by Andersen’s Behavioral Model of Health Services Use, this study analyzed peer-reviewed articles and grey literature from databases such as PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus. The findings reveal significant disparities: minority students, particularly those attending community colleges, face unique challenges such as a lack of on-campus resources, financial instability, and time constraints. Cultural stigmas and societal norms further discourage open discussions about sexual health, while restrictive reproductive health policies exacerbate institutional barriers. Effective interventions, including telemedicine, community-based care models, and reproductive justice frameworks, have shown promise in addressing these challenges.

This review highlights the need for targeted interventions, such as expanding financial aid, improving health insurance access, and providing culturally competent care. By addressing these barriers, universities can create a more equitable healthcare environment, ultimately enhancing student health outcomes. This study underscores the importance of addressing systemic inequities to promote health equity in higher education and calls for further research to explore the long-term impacts of improved SRH access on educational and life outcomes.

Thesis Completion Year

2025

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Wang, Xiaochuan

College

College of Health Professions and Sciences

Department

Social Work

Thesis Discipline

Sociology

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Download

Share

COinS
 

Rights Statement

In Copyright