Counseling college students after a positive pregnancy test: Trends in practice

J Am Coll Health. 2021 Feb-Mar;69(2):227-231. doi: 10.1080/07448481.2019.1657120. Epub 2019 Sep 9.

Abstract

Objective: To provide an overview of college health centers' practices surrounding education, counseling and referral after a patient receives a positive pregnancy test. Participants: College health centers that participated in the annual ACHA Pap Test and STI Survey years 2008 to 2014. Methods: Descriptive analyses for items regarding all-options and limited counseling/education and types of referrals (adoption, abortion and prenatal care) provided to students. Chi-square statistics were calculated to examine trends over time and differences between demographic characteristics. Results: There were no significant differences across time but there were significant differences between regions of the US and if the institution was faith-based, though few had strong association values. Conclusions: The results indicate most college health centers are following best practices regarding counseling and education for a positive pregnancy test result. Understanding limitations for those institutions not in compliance require further exploration.

Keywords: abortion referral; adoption referral; college health centers; pregnancy counseling; pregnancy testing.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Induced*
  • Counseling
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Tests*
  • Students
  • Universities