Healthcare access and utilization for international students: examining sociodemographic, lifestyle, health information, and perceived barriers

There have been rising concerns about international students’ physical and psychological health and their access to healthcare lately, especially during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, signifying health systems’ adaptation to diverse migrant populations. This study provides empirical evidence on healthcare service utilization among international students in China and identifies potential barriers affecting their access to care. A descriptive survey was conducted with 224 participants using a structured online questionnaire. The questionnaire included closed-ended questions, including Likert-scale items to capture a comprehensive range of responses. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling. Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS Statistics. The study revealed that the majority of international students (80.8%) avoided seeking healthcare services, including visits to health centers and hospitals, when they were ill. Older age, being male, and higher health information awareness were positively associated with utilization, while financial barriers and language difficulties were negatively associated. In addition, marital status, academic status, and cultural health practices positively influenced healthcare service utilization, whereas variables such as eating habits, smoking, physical activity, lack of insurance, and health support awareness had negative coefficients but were not statistically significant. The study recommends additional efforts, like tailored health education programs and healthcare access awareness campaigns, to improve healthcare access for international students and emphasizes the importance of incorporating diverse health services, including linguistic accommodations, cultural sensitivities, and varying medical traditions in treatment, into the existing healthcare system while addressing the specific needs and barriers faced by this student population.