Use of School-Based Health Centres for Mental Health Support in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

This study examined whether students with self-reported needs for mental health support used school-based health centres for this purpose. Data was collected from 1629 high school students in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. One-half of the surveyed students reported needs for mental health support. Multivariate logistic regression determined that female gender, lower socioeconomic status, sexual health risk-taking behaviours, & suicidal behaviour were significantly associated with the use of school-based health centres. Male students underused the services relative to their self-reported need. Implications for school health centres & directions for future research are discussed. (42 refs.) JA