BACKGROUND

Community college students are in need of sexual health programming. Unfortunately, community colleges are less likely than 4-year colleges to provide such programming, and very little research has focused on understanding the factors influencing sexual health program implementation at community colleges.

PURPOSE

To examine the barriers and facilitators to adoption, implementation, and sustainability of student-facing sexual health programming at community colleges.

METHODS

Using data from interviews with a convenience sample of 32 community college administrators, faculty, and staff from 23 campuses in the United States, we conducted thematic analysis. Six major themes were identified.

RESULTS

College budgets are limited and resources specifically dedicated to sexual health promotion are needed. Buy-in from upper-level administrators is often required to approve programming, and personnel that champion student health are critical to successfully implementing programs. Unfortunately, many champions are overworked and unable to sustainably manage additional responsibilities. Colleges are interested in implementing programming that students want and that addresses their students' needs. However, participants perceived that students will not participate in optional programming and many colleges are hesitant to implement mandatory student programming as this is perceived as a barrier to student graduation. Finally, colleges' decision to implement sexual health programming is often tied to the presence of on-campus housing; thus, commuter students are especially in need of resources.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the importance of internal factors that facilitate or hinder the implementation of sexual health programming at community colleges and suggest the need for college-level efforts to effectively implement programming.