School-Based Health Center Utilization: a Survey of Users and Nonusers

The use of a school-based health center in an urban high school was studied. 60% of the 630 respondents were registered in the health center. 75% of registered students reported average use (3 or fewer visits); however females were more likely than males to be frequent users. Mental health problems among all registered users included suicidal ideation in 16% and a suicide attempt in 10%. Among the 40% of nonusers, 19% reported suicide ideation & 13% reported a suicide attempt. (32 refs.)