'Am I Really Living or Just Getting By?' Financial Security and Health-Related Decisions among International Students in Australia
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| Title: | 'Am I Really Living or Just Getting By?' Financial Security and Health-Related Decisions among International Students in Australia |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Bettina Backman (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Studies in International Education. 2024 28(3):440-457. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 18 |
| Publication Date: | 2024 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Foreign Countries, Financial Problems, Student Behavior, Health Behavior, Decision Making, Mental Health, Health Services, Activities, Social Environment, Food, Hunger, Decision Making Skills, Student Attitudes, Needs Assessment |
| Geographic Terms: | Australia |
| DOI: | 10.1177/10283153231178135 |
| ISSN: | 1028-3153 1552-7808 |
| Abstract: | International students in Australia risk financial insecurity and as a result, may make suboptimal health decisions. Limited research has explored the experiences of international students' health-related financial decision making. In-depth interviews were conducted with 31 international students to explore how financial situation influences their decisions in Australia. Data were thematically analysed. Findings highlight that limited income can impact overall wellbeing and health-related decision making. When making financial health-related decisions, participants prioritised urgent health needs and education. Participants who perceived their financial situation limited were less willing to spend money on mental health services, social activities, and food. This study suggests that students may consider the long-term financial benefits of studying abroad when making decisions, but they do not consider the long-term health implications of stress and wellbeing. Enabling students to improve their financial situation and lower their expenses could enhance wellbeing and facilitate health-related decision making. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2024 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1434127 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | International students in Australia risk financial insecurity and as a result, may make suboptimal health decisions. Limited research has explored the experiences of international students' health-related financial decision making. In-depth interviews were conducted with 31 international students to explore how financial situation influences their decisions in Australia. Data were thematically analysed. Findings highlight that limited income can impact overall wellbeing and health-related decision making. When making financial health-related decisions, participants prioritised urgent health needs and education. Participants who perceived their financial situation limited were less willing to spend money on mental health services, social activities, and food. This study suggests that students may consider the long-term financial benefits of studying abroad when making decisions, but they do not consider the long-term health implications of stress and wellbeing. Enabling students to improve their financial situation and lower their expenses could enhance wellbeing and facilitate health-related decision making. |
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| ISSN: | 1028-3153 1552-7808 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/10283153231178135 |
