DNP Scholarly Projects

Abstract

Abstract Background: Minority students at predominantly white institutions face unique stressors due to their minority status, impacting their health. Initiatives promoting community engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion can help reduce minority stress and foster health equity and success in higher education Method: This project employed a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) framework to enhance minority student involvement in sexual and mental health services both on campus and in the wider community. It involved forming partnerships between minority student organizations, faculty, and community partners to organize wellness events focusing on sexual and mental health during the fall semester of 2023. The events aimed to raise awareness about mental and sexual health risks and resources, strengthen support structures for minority student health, promote help-seeking behavior among students, and improve access to inclusive health resources both on and off campus. Student engagement was assessed through event attendance, and post-session surveys evaluated student learning. Results: In the sexual wellness event, (n=72) students, compared to (n=18) in the prior semester. Faculty attendance was (n=5) members, up from (n=3) in the previous semester, and there were (n=6) community health organizations present, compared to (n=4) before. For the mental health event, (n=54) students attended, compared to (n=16) previously. Faculty attendance increased from (n=3) to (n=4), and there were (n=5) community mental health organizations present compared to (n=2) before. Analysis of survey data revealed positive outcomes in terms of increased awareness of sexual health resources, intention to access services, and perceptions of inclusivity in educational content. Conclusions: Although survey responses were not representative of session attendance, particularly among black students, diverse student engagement in both events suggest that students were interested in the content, felt welcome and safe to attend, but were reluctant to complete a post-session survey. Nonetheless, the project demonstrates the potential of CBPR in fostering campus infrastructure for supporting minority students' health and advancing health equity on campus. Keywords: CBPR research, diverse students, LGBTQ+ identity, health equity, inclusive wellness education

Date

Fall 4-24-2024

First Advisor

Dr. Elizabeth Morse

Second Advisor

Dr. David Phillippi

Scholarly Project Team Member

Dr. Elizabeth Morse

Scholarly Project Team Member

Dr. David Phillippi

Scholarly Project Team Member

Dr. Karen Lewis

Scholarly Project Team Member

Dr. Alex Atkinson

Department

Nursing, School of

College

Health Sciences & Nursing, Gordon E. Inman College of

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree

Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Degree Level

Doctoral

Degree Grantor

Belmont University

Keywords

CBPR research; diverse students; LGBTQ+ identity; health equity; inclusive wellness education

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