Ask and ye shall plan. A health needs assessment of a university population.

BACKGROUND: In the development process of establishing a Campus Health Resource Centre, a health needs assessment of 691 students was conducted at the University of Manitoba. METHODS: Students were surveyed by their peers to identify the health education needs of this population. The process of the health needs assessment is described and the results have formed the basis for a range of programs and services offered on campus. RESULTS: Students showed interest in learning about stress management, cold and flu prevention, ergonomics and lifestyle (exercise, nutrition) issues. CONCLUSION: Of note is low interest in topics generally thought to be important to students such as contraception, safer sex, and STD/AIDS prevention.