"Maybe I should just risk tetanus": The experiences of post-secondary international students accessing healthcare services in Ontario, Canada.
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| Title: | "Maybe I should just risk tetanus": The experiences of post-secondary international students accessing healthcare services in Ontario, Canada. |
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| Authors: | Omilabu, Mariam (AUTHOR), Neiterman, Elena (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of American College Health. Feb2026, Vol. 74 Issue 2, p325-331. 7p. |
| Subjects: | Health services accessibility, High schools, Qualitative research, Tetanus, Interviewing, Health insurance, Universities & colleges, Experience, Students, Thematic analysis, Psychological stress, Research methodology, Research, Student attitudes, College students, Data analysis software, Medical needs assessment |
| Geographic Terms: | Ontario |
| Abstract: | Objective: International students (IS) experience both post-secondary school stress and the stress of adjusting to a new culture. However, they are less likely to access healthcare services. This study examines the experiences of IS in accessing healthcare services at a university in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Participants and methods: Semi-structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with eight undergraduate and two graduate IS. Interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis. Results: Although participants shared positive experiences, they expressed confusion about using their health insurance and the services they could access. Participants desired information sessions on healthcare services and proposed that upper year IS act as healthcare system guides. Conclusion: While this research focused on Ontario, Canada, the information may be applicable to other jurisdictions by offering insights on international students' knowledge and use of their health insurance. Given the growth of IS, educational institutions must ensure their healthcare needs are met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Journal of American College Health is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Objective: International students (IS) experience both post-secondary school stress and the stress of adjusting to a new culture. However, they are less likely to access healthcare services. This study examines the experiences of IS in accessing healthcare services at a university in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Participants and methods: Semi-structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with eight undergraduate and two graduate IS. Interviews were analyzed using a thematic analysis. Results: Although participants shared positive experiences, they expressed confusion about using their health insurance and the services they could access. Participants desired information sessions on healthcare services and proposed that upper year IS act as healthcare system guides. Conclusion: While this research focused on Ontario, Canada, the information may be applicable to other jurisdictions by offering insights on international students' knowledge and use of their health insurance. Given the growth of IS, educational institutions must ensure their healthcare needs are met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 07448481 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/07448481.2025.2519378 |
