Receipt of school health education and school health services among adolescent immigrants in Massachusetts

This study assessed whether immigrant adolescents receive health education and services in schools at levels comparable to native-born peers. Surveys from 2,635 8th and 10th graders allowed comparisons between students living in the United States "always" (n = 2,080), "more than six years" (n = 299) , and "six years or less " (n = 191). Immigrant students were equally likel y to receive health education, more likely to use peer counseling or suppor t groups (p < .001), and less likely to use health services (p <.05). They communicated more often with staff (p < .05), were more concerned about men tal health issues (p < .01), and were likely to hal e these topics addresse d in school (p < .05). They were more positive about health education (p < .05), learned something new (p < .01), and communicated with parents when o ffered (p < .001). Schools provide a critical gateway and opportunity for r eaching immigrant students and families with programs designed to meet thei r unique health and mental health needs. Questions remain, however about he alth education and services being provided to non-mainstreamed, Limited Eng lish Proficient students who recently immigrated. Implications for program and service delivery and future research are discussed.