International Students' Use of a University Health Center

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify international students' use of university health centers by individual characteristics and seasons. METHODS: This was a retrospective descriptive study using data obtained from the electronic record system of one university health center. The study participants were international undergraduate students who registered for any of two semesters between March 1, 2014 and February 28, 2015 and visited the university health center during their registration period. RESULTS: The most common reasons for visits were problems of head, eye, nose and throat systems, followed by respiratory system. Their visits mostly occurred in the fall and spring. The most frequently used services were distribution of oral medication followed by wound treatment. The number of visits per individual was statistically different by gender (u=-3.307, p=.001), but not by their major (chi2=.543, p=0.762) or nationality (chi2=5.518, p=.271). CONCLUSION: Further study is necessary to better define health needs and related factors for this unique population. The electronic record system provides great opportunities in development and application of need based health services for international students and for research in this area.