Understanding the Mental Health Needs of Latina College Students: Exploring Issues of Prevalence, Measurement, and Service Utilization for Mental Health and Substance Use Problems among a National Sample.

Abstract

Latina college students experience significant stress and psychological distress in the college campus context. They report higher rates of depression and anxiety than Latino and non-Latina female students. Mental health problems interfere with academic success and Latina report the lowest rate of college completion among female college students. It is essential that the mental health needs of this at-risk population be addressed. Using a national dataset of college student mental health, three studies were conducted to gain a better understanding of the mental health needs of Latina college students. Study one found that Latinas (N=1,274) were more likely than White females (N=9,797) to experience depression and less likely to use substances. Social support and religiosity were protective factors and institutional dissatisfaction and discrimination were risk factors for mental health and substance use problems. However, there were differences between Latinas and Whites in the way that these factors influenced these problems. The second study explored the structure and function of an existing depression assessment instrument (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) among Latina (N=1,455) and White female college students (N=15,299). Through a series of factor analyses it was confirmed that the PHQ-9 was best utilized as a two-factor measure of depression among Latina and White female college students and there was no evidence of a construct bias. The third study examined the rates and associations of mental health service utilization among Latina college students (N=1,876) and found an unmet need for services among this population. Less than a third of Latinas who reported experiencing depression, anxiety, eating disorder symptoms, suicidal ideation, or substance use problems had used mental health services. Latinas who perceived they had a problem, who had positive attitudes and beliefs about services, and who were more religious were more likely to have received services. Findings from these three studies suggest that Latina college students are an at-risk group for mental health and substance use problems. Increasing mental health literacy among Latina students as well as service providers, faculty, and administration may help to increase detection and receipt of appropriate treatment for mental health and substance use problems.