Students' Utilization of Health Services: an Exploratory Study of the University of Michigan Nutrition Clinic.

Abstract

This investigation aimed to: (1) Assess the extent of need for nutrition services among students of The University of Michigan. (2) Assess the extent to which the current utilizers of the nutrition clinic find the services adequate and the degree to which their utilization patterns are related to certain factors. Data about need for services in terms of knowledge and attitudes about nutrition were obtained from 145 (100 non-utilizers and 45 utilizers) students by a questionnaire. Data about utilization were obtained from the records at the nutrition clinic. Data were also obtained from the nutrition counselor regarding her estimates of what students' views of the nutrition clinic would be. A positive relationship was found between weight change and utilization frequencies. A positive relationship was also found between nutrition attitudes and utilization frequencies. Utilizers had more positive attitudes about nutrition than non-utilizers. A significant difference was also found between sex and attitudes about nutrition. Females had more positive attitudes than males. Other demographic factors (age, marital status, race, area of residence, academic majors, and academic levels) were not found to be related to knowledge, attitudes or utilization patterns. The attitudes of utilizers were generally well predicted by the nutrition counselor. In a few instances there were data that may be used by the nutrition clinic. A more detailed study using a larger sample to assess the need for nutrition services among students of The University of Michigan and the relationships of certain factors (sex, weight, knowledge, and attitudes) to their utilization patterns was recommended. In addition, circulation of information to students at the beginning of each term and small group sessions to alert them of their dietary needs was recommended for the Health Services.