The Special Historical Section of the Journal of American College Health

Abstract

Objective: To identify human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and HPV vaccine–related attitudes among college-aged women and the relationship between HPV vaccine uptake and subsequent sexual behaviors. Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Google Scholar searches were performed from 2006, the date after the first HPV vaccine became available, to present. Results: Of the 13 studies identified, most were cross-sectional. College-aged women saw HPV infection as serious and had positive attitudes toward the HPV vaccine. Barriers (ie, cost, lack of insurance coverage) existed that prevented women from obtaining the vaccine and many women did not see themselves at risk for HPV. The vaccine uptake rate, although increasing, has been slow. Conclusion: College-aged women in the United States may need unbiased information about HPV and HPV vaccine. Studies that focus on risk perception and the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, vaccine uptake, and sexual behaviors are needed to inform interventions and public health programs.     

Lyme Disease: A Case Report

Abstract

Using a needs-assessment technique called story-boarding to determine characteristics of health promotion and wellness among university students is discussed. Storyboarding allows students to work together as they generate ideas and eliminates the territorial defensiveness that often occurs when new ideas are suggested. Sixteen graduate students in a health education teaching methods course demonstrated the use of the technique to identify characteristics of wellness for university students. In addition, they identified content areas and outlined key programs, services, personal habits, and skills useful for enhancing university students' wellness.     

Ridge Autoregression Estimation: LS Method

In an AR (p)-model, least-squares estimation of the parameters is considered when it is suspected that the parameters may belong to a linear subspace and the estimated covariance matrix is ill-conditioned. Accordingly, we define five estimators and study their properties in an asymptotic setup to discover dominance properties based on asymptotic distributional bias (ADB), MSE (ADMSE) matrices, and under quadratic risks (ADQR).     

Mental Health on the Campus Revisited

Abstract

The author briefly reviews Mental Health on the Campus: A Field Study, published in 1973, noting areas of consensus and points of tension or disagreement that were reported in that study. He then assesses the extent to which the current state of mental health on the campus is an echo of that report. These comparisons form the basis for anticipating the probable direction of future developments in campus mental health. The areas and issues considered include the increased diversity of the student body, the stable incidence of psychotic disorders, the increased prevalence of gender-related diagnoses such as sexual abuse and eating disorders, the continuing financial pressures bearing on campus mental health programs, and the forms of care and treatment that fiscal and other circumstances are imposing. The author concludes that although the resources available and the particular challenges that are faced may have changed, the traditional goals of a campus mental health program, as articulated 75 years ago when the American College Health Association was founded, remain valid, even if they are difficult to attain.     

Nonmedication Treatments for Adult ADHD: Evaluating Impact on Daily Functioning and Well-Being

Abstract

Professor J. Russell Ramsey has written a short book aimed at practicing mental health clinicians, describing various non-medication approaches to the treatment of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It includes a variety of strategies, some of which are validated and others of which are currently being developed but do not yet demonstrate effectiveness, alongside the documented effectiveness of medications for the treatment of core symptoms of ADHD, especially inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. He includes an up-to-date bibliography and critical evaluations of effectiveness for each treatment, especially functional outcomes. Given the high rate of postsecondary students with ADHD, the book should be helpful for college health professionals who are trying to assist such students.     

Students Left Behind: The Limitations of University-Based Health Insurance for Students With Mental Illnesses

Abstract

A growing trend in college and university health care is the requirement that students demonstrate proof of health insurance prior to enrollment. An increasing number of schools are contracting with insurance companies to provide students with school-based options for health insurance. Although this is advantageous to students in some ways, tying health insurance coverage to school enrollment can leave students vulnerable when they are most in need of help. Students whose health insurance is contingent upon their enrollment face significant lapses in coverage when they are required to leave school. This is especially challenging for students with mental illnesses whose treatment needs often go unmet in the absence of that coverage. The limitations in this system must be addressed as an increasing number of universities and students opt for university-based health insurance plans.     

Medication Abortion Within a Student Health Care Clinic: A Review of the First 46 Consecutive Cases

Abstract

Objective: Medication abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol has been available in the United States since 2000. The authors reviewed the first 46 medication abortion cases conducted at a university-based student health care clinic to determine the safety and feasibility of medication abortion in this type of clinical setting. Participants: Female patients presenting for medication abortion at a student health care clinic between October 1, 2006, and April 1, 2009. Methods: Retrospective consecutive case review. Results: Successful completion not requiring uterine aspiration occurred in 85% of the cases that were not lost to follow-up. Six cases (15%) required uterine aspiration for completion: 3 underwent uterine aspiration only; 3 had aspiration after failing an additional dose of misoprostol. Only 1 patient visited the emergency room. There were no hospitalizations. Conclusions: Medication abortion services in a student health care clinic are safe and feasible. However, additional treatment may be required with some patients.