Healthcare services utilization among international students in Ankara, Turkey: a cross-sectional study.
BMC Health Serv Res
; 21(1): 311, 2021 Apr 07.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1172832
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
While international students form an increasing population of higher education students in Turkey, there is limited empirical evidence about their health services utilization. The study aim was to investigate healthcare access among a group of international students studying in Ankara city and identify potential barriers that affect full healthcare utilization.METHOD:
A total of 535 international students from 83 countries completed an online-based questionnaire. The survey was conducted from September until October 2020. Variables between groups within the study sample were compared using ANOVA and Chi-square tests (with Fisher's exact test). Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationships between variables related to access to health services.RESULTS:
Of the study population, 80.6% accessed the general practitioner (GP), 40% accessed the student health centres, and 11.4% were admitted to the hospital at least once. About 80% of international students reported changing their views to access healthcare more because of the COVID-19 pandemic.CONCLUSION:
Lack of awareness of healthcare support systems, perceived stigma associated with mental health services, and language barriers were the main barriers affecting healthcare access by international students. IMPLICATIONS Study findings indicate the need for education of international students on available healthcare, targeted health promotion, and training of health providers on effective communication.
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Students
/
Transients and Migrants
/
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
/
Social Stigma
/
Facilities and Services Utilization
/
COVID-19
/
Mental Disorders
Type of study:
Diagnostic study
/
Experimental Studies
/
Observational study
/
Randomized controlled trials
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Journal:
BMC Health Serv Res
Journal subject:
Health Services Research
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
S12913-021-06301-x
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