Barriers to and Facilitators of Health for Latina Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Latina undergraduate students’ barriers and facilitators of health are examined: Barriers to psychological health—separating from family, pressure to succeed, and racism; Barriers to physical health—lacking health insurance, and discomfort using campus sports facilities; and Facilitators of psychological health—membership in Latina student organizations, pride being the first family member to attend college, and ability to motivate other Latino/as to attend college. Using home remedies facilitated students’ physical health. Practical recommendations for university personnel are discussed.