Some health issues on the Cave Hill Campus, U.W.I. - abstract

ABSTRACT

In response to concerns expressed about drug abuse among students attending the Cave Hill Campus, a survey was conducted among the entire campus community to determine views about a wide range of health related issues. The survey was conducted by a pretested, self-administered, anonymous questionnaire, and was done on a single day on campus. The sample was chosen as a stratified sample of the campus personnel from the staff and student lists. Thirty-six per cent of the 1 in 4 sample responded to the questionnaire (7.9 per cent of all students, and 14 per cent of all staff). The age, sex, race and religious affiliations of the respondents were representative of the campus community. The numbers of responding students, administrative, academic and clerical staff were sufficient for their conclusions to be considered in the analysis. Staff and students generally considered themselves to be in good health. They were conscious of the bad effects on health of smoking cigarettes, and the use of ganja or cocaine. They also considered being overweight, worry and stress as being bad for health. Drugs were not a regular subject for discussion on the campus. While 3 of 5 respondents said they could recognise cocaine, crack or speed. Less than 1 per cent admitted to the use of any of these drugs and 80 per cent said they had never used cigarettes. Alcohol use was far more frequent, particularly among members of the academic staff, as was the use of cigarettes. Generally, members of the campus community were aware of the lifestyles that were at high risk for HIV, although 30 per cent of respondents considered lesbians as being at high risk. Using "one night stands" as indicative of high-risk sexual behaviour, 28.6 per cent of academics and 14.5 per cent of students said they had had such experiences within the last five years. Respondents reported a reduction in sexual partners compared to the previous year, and five years before. As regards problems which students considered may affect their health, concerns were expressed about stress, overwork, and insufficient money. Academics and students considered drug use as a minor problem among students, while clerical staff were more concerned about this as a problem. Generally, students did not consider themselves to be sexually harassed, although administrative and clerical staff expressed concerns in this regard. The campus emerges as a relatively abstemious one in every regard. However, both students and staff expressed significant concerns about stress and underfunding of students (AU)