Measuring university student satisfaction with a campus family planning clinic in Costa Rica.

ABSTRACT

PIP: In Costa Rica, a nurse researcher or a nurse clinician interviewed 53 female students aged 18-33 at the family planning clinic at the Universidad Nacional Heredia. This 6-month, descriptive pilot study aimed to learn what services are covered during family planning visits, the students' evaluation of the clinic, and their demographic characteristics. 36% of the students were either married or in a consensual union. Just 25% of the women had children. 78% of the students wanted to be mothers (mean ideal family size = 1.8). All the women were sexually active, yet only 26% had previously sought family planning advice. 62% currently used birth control. 62% of family planning users used natural family planning methods or barrier methods. Referral by a health provider was more common than referral by a friend (17% vs. 7.3%). 34% of all students had used other services in the student health department. The most common services covered during family planning visits were pelvic exam (59%) and contraceptive information (51%). Other relatively common services were sexuality counseling (26%), breast exam (24%), and blood pressure check (23%). 96% of the students received new information mainly on contraceptive methods (65%), breast self-examination (39%), and sexuality education (35%). The students were satisfied with all clinic services (3.9-4.9, with 5 equaling very satisfied), especially, with the opportunity to ask questions, counseling provided, and advice given by clinicians. 22% of the students wanted greater clinic outreach, especially about family planning. 85% said that they would definitely return to the university clinic. 91% would recommend it to a friend wanting family planning advice. The field of family planning needs of and services to university students is an open field for nurse researchers.