private services. Our results show that a majority of the students at UML would use SHS for reproductive services and a substantial proportion would be willing to pay for this care. This could become a valuable service for a substantial number of people who are at high risk for sexual health issues. On the other hand, some students may still be unsure of what services are available, if the services would cost them money, and the confidentiality of such services at SHS. These are important inquiries for SHS to look into more thoroughly because students might be more likely to use SHS for reproductive services if they were aware of the services offered, their costs, and confidentiality agreements. By effectively communicating with the students about the provided services and what they would involve, SHS could increase the number of students using reproductive health services. Future research conducted by SHS could focus on increasing the response rate in the survey and improving the data-inquiry methods. In order to eliminate the noted limitations of our study, researchers leading future studies would benefit from finding better ways to gain the students’ interest about improving their provided services and promote use of SHS by the students. A research approach designed to attract students and make them feel more comfortable and open to answering such personal questions may be more effective at recruiting student participants. This study indicates that there is demand for expanded reproductive services at UMass Lowell SHS. Providing this care could play a key role in promoting the long-term health of students at the university.
REFERENCES 1 Weinstock, H., Berman, S., and Cates, W. Jr. Sexually transmitted diseases among American youth: incidence and prevalence estimates, 2000. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 2004; 36(1):6-10. 2 Chesson, H.W., Blandford, J.M., Gift, T.L., Tao, G., and Irwin, K.L. The estimated direct medical cost of sexually transmitted diseases among American youth, 2000. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 2004, 36(1): 11-19. 3 National Prevention Information Network. (n.d.). STDs Today. <http:// www.cdcnpin.org/scripts/std/std.asp>. 4 Greydanus, D.E., Rimsza, M.E., and Matytsina, L. Contraception for college students. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2005 Feb;52(1):135-61 5Higgins, J.A., Mullinax, M., Trussell, J., Davidson, J.K. Sr., and Moore, N.B. Sexual satisfaction and sexual health among university students in the United States. Am J Public Health. 2011 Sep; 101(9):1643-54. 6Bryant, K.D. Contraceptive use and attitudes among female college students. ABNF J. 2009; 20(1):12-6.
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