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June 13, 2026International Journal of Environmental Research and Public HealthOpen Access

The Prevalence of Poor Behavioral Health Among University Students by Gender, Sexual Orientation, and Racial Identity: The Role of Discrimination and Microaggressions

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Authors

TATolulope M. AbidogunAGAndrew J. GodleyERElaine C. Russell

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Overview

Cross-sectional analysis reveals high prevalence of poor behavioral health linked to discrimination in university students, suggesting a need for resilience-building efforts.

Key Points

  • This research aims to explore the relationship between discrimination, microaggressions, and poor behavioral health among university students.
  • Analyzed cross-sectional data from 45,386 university students using the National College Health Assessment III.
  • Assessed poor behavioral health (PBH) through an index of severe psychological distress and substance use risk.
  • Utilized logistic regression to evaluate the association between discrimination, microaggressions, and PBH.
  • 42.9% of students reported poor behavioral health, with higher rates in sexual and gender minority youth.
  • Black/African American students experienced the highest levels of discrimination and microaggressions.
  • Experiences of both discrimination and microaggressions were associated with over 2-fold increased odds of PBH.

Cite This Study

Abidogun et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a2cf551faef96ed7f05762fhttps://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23060776
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Also Consider

Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context:

  1. 1Intersectional Predictors of Mental Health Problems Among Black College Students: A Multi-Level Analysis Examining Individual, Institutional, and Societal Level Factors2025
  2. 2Examining Mental Health Among Multiply Minoritized College Students2024
  3. 3Racial Discrimination and University Students’ Mental Health: a Cross-Sectional Study2026
  4. 4Psychosocial and behavioral correlates of STI-related sexual risk among college students: A multivariable analysis across racial and ethnic groups2026
  5. 5Bullying and Harassment in a University Context: Impact on the Mental Health of Medical Students2026 · 1 citations