LSU ranks 26th on Trojan Sexual Health report card

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By Jalissa Bates

LSU ranked 26th out of the nation in the annual Trojan Sexual Health report card for 2009. The report is issued on the basis of adequate sexual health information provided by universities to its students each year.

The study is conducted by Sperling's BestPlaces with Trojan. Researchers find a lack of access to information and resources may prevent some students from being sexually healthy, particularly on college campuses.

The study polled student health centers and reviewed their Web sites to assign a grade point average (GPA) for sexual health resources across 11 separate categories. These categories include: sexual health awareness programs, condom and contraception availability, HIV testing, other Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing, student health center hours of operation, drop-in versus appointment-based service, navigability and usability of Web-based sexual health information, anonymous advice and newspaper columns, lecture outreach programs, student peer groups and sexual assault programs.

LSU, which had a sex health GPA of 2.95, fell 14 spots with its number 12 ranking in 2008. Some students feel the University hasn't done much to inform its population.

"I really don't feel like there was any extra sexual health information when I got here," Anderson Bertrand, mass communications freshman, said.

"Aside from the quiz they made us take, which covered alcohol as well, most of my info came from other students and knowledge of protection from past schools and teachings," Bertrand said.

Others feel the sexual health information on campus has been well presented. Alyssa Stewart, psychology junior, said sexual health has been highlighted but mental health remains hidden.

"Yes, I feel like there are numerous student organizations that try to inform the student body about sexual health," Stewart said. "The student health center also does a great job with it; however, I do feel the mental health services offered by the university are under-rated. Everyone is aware of sexual health, but no one talks about the importance of mental health."

In the Southeastern Conference, the University of South Carolina scored its highest ranking as number one with a 3.43 GPA. The University of Georgia earned a 3.21 GPA jumping three spots to number six from its placing last year. Auburn University had the lowest ranking at the number 119 spot and a 2.14 overall GPA.

The Trojan Sexual Health report card is designed to illustrate what is working and what isn't for universities in regard to amplifying their sexual health information efforts. For more information on the report and school rankings, visit their Web site at www.trojancondoms.com.

Originally Published: Issue 825 - December 2, 2009

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