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Mental Health Needs and Services Utilization among Undergraduate and Graduate Students in Texas during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Alice P. Villatoro

    (Department of Public Health, College of Arts and Sciences, Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA 95053, USA)

  • Vanessa L. Errisuriz

    (Latino Research Institute, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA)

  • Melissa J. DuPont-Reyes

    (Departments of Sociomedical Sciences and Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, USA)

Abstract

COVID-19 created a global crisis, exacerbating disparities in social determinants of health (SDOH) and mental health (MH). Research on pandemic-related MH and help-seeking is scarce, especially among high-risk populations such as college/university students. We examined self-rated MH and psychological distress, the perceived need for MH services/support, and the use of MH services across the SDOH among college/university students during the start of the pandemic. Data from the COVID-19 Texas College Student Experiences Survey ( n = 746) include full- and part-time undergraduate/graduate students. Regressions examined self-rated MH, psychological distress, perceived need, and service use across SDOH, controlling for pre-pandemic MH, age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Economic stability was associated with higher risk of poor MH and need for MH services/support. Aspects of the social/community context protected student MH, especially among foreign-born students. Racial discrimination was associated with both greater psychological distress and use of services. Finally, beliefs related to the sufficiency of available institutional MH resources shaped perceived need for and use of services. Although the worst of the pandemic is behind us, the inequitable distribution of the SDOH among students is unwavering. Demand for MH support is high, requiring higher education institutions to better mobilize MH services to meet the needs of students from diverse social contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • Alice P. Villatoro & Vanessa L. Errisuriz & Melissa J. DuPont-Reyes, 2023. "Mental Health Needs and Services Utilization among Undergraduate and Graduate Students in Texas during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(12), pages 1-19, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:12:p:6066-:d:1165140
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nicole Reeder & Pradtana Tapanee & Anna Persell & Terezie Tolar-Peterson, 2020. "Food Insecurity, Depression, and Race: Correlations Observed Among College Students at a University in the Southeastern United States," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-11, November.
    2. Krieger, Nancy, 1990. "Racial and gender discrimination: Risk factors for high blood pressure?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 30(12), pages 1273-1281, January.
    3. Monideepa B. Becerra & Benjamin J. Becerra, 2020. "Psychological Distress among College Students: Role of Food Insecurity and Other Social Determinants of Mental Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-12, June.
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