1. Is There a Need for More Mental Health Services at Kent State University Campuses? A Study using the Healthy Minds Survey
Jessica L. Mulvany, B.S. B.A., Chelsea Kennedy, B.S.P.H, Deric R. Kenne, Ph.D
Division of Mental Health & Substance Use, Center for Public Policy & Health
Kent State University, Kent OH
BACKGROUND
According to the Healthy Minds Study (HMS), Kent State University (KSU) students are exhibiting symptoms of depression (35%) and anxiety (31%) at higher rates than the national average (31% and 26% respectively).
Given that the counselor-to-student ratio does not meet national recommendations and varies by campus, this study examines differences in depression and anxiety, current use and perceived need of counseling/therapy services across campuses.
FIGURE 1
Depression and Anxiety Symptoms
No difference in depression symptoms
Tuscarawas students reported more severe anxiety (22%) than Kent students (11%)
Trumbull students reported more moderate and severe anxiety (25% and 17%) compared to Kent (18% and 11%)
Current Therapy and Perceived Need for Mental Health Help
No difference in current perceived need for mental health help for total student population across campuses
Trumbull and Tuscarawas students have lower perceived need than Kent and Stark among subpopulation of students with depression and/or anxiety symptoms (p<0.05)
See Figure 1
Additional Analyses
No difference in barriers to mental health services or stigma across campuses
More students would talk to a significant other, family member, or friend than a clinical professional when experiencing emotional distress (Figure 2)
RESULTS
Current Therapy and Perceived Need for Mental Health Help Across Four KSU Campuses
The sample consisted of 1,813 KSU students enrolled at Kent, Stark, Trumbull, or Tuscarawas campuses who completed the online HMS. The PHQ9 and GAD7 screeners were used to assess symptoms of anxiety and depression. The survey contained questions regarding personal and perceived stigma, barriers to services, and campus culture.
Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were run to compare students with depression and/or anxiety to the general sample across campuses. Additional analyses were completed to explore barriers and stigma related to mental health, location of services, campus culture, and satisfaction of services.
METHODS
FIGURE 2
Through our analyses of the HMS data, we found that there is a large discrepancy between the proportion of students who currently have symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, are currently in counseling/therapy, and perceive a current need for mental health help. We conclude that this is not due to a lack of services offered because there is not a difference in the proportion of students who are currently in counseling/therapy at the campuses with less on-campus services. Figure 2 suggest a possible explanation for the discrepancy between perceived need and current therapy may be a lack of desire to talk to a professional clinician about serious emotional distress. Further research is needed to
investigate the discrepancy.
CONCLUSIONS D A
Key
A. Kent campus
B. Stark campus
C. Trumbull campus
D. Tuscarawas campus B C