Assessment of Health-Seeking Behavior among Undergraduate Students at a University

Abstract

Abstract Background Students studying at a university of health sciences may have different perceptions regarding illness and treatment. Moreover, as they have access to healthcare, it may influence their health-seeking behavior. It is important to identify the health-seeking behavior of the students and to guide them accordingly. Methods The present study was designed to assess the health-seeking behavior of undergraduate students. It was a cross-sectional descriptive study. A total of 236 students pursuing undergraduate courses in medicine, dentistry, nursing, and physiotherapy participated in the study. Checklist and perception scales were used to collect data that were then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results Use of the Internet to get information about illness, treatment, and medications (60.3%; 139), self-investigations (50.6%; 122) as well as self-medication practices (54.4%; 130) was commonly seen in students. Among the self-medications, antibiotics (63.7%; 152), antipyretics (45.6%; 109), analgesics (43.9%; 104), and cough syrup (48.9%; 116) were common. Regarding perception on health-seeking behavior, the majority (49.3%; 118) opined neutral for the statement that self-diagnosis is not wrong, (49.4%; 120) reported that over-the-counter medications can be taken, (66.5%; 157) agreed that keeping healthy by eating healthy can keep you away from the hospital. The barriers for health-seeking behavior, stigma, fear of confidentiality issues, fear of unwanted intervention, and unaware where to seek help were more commonly reported for mental healthcare-seeking behavior (odds ratio [OR]: 29.33, 23.18, 34.16, and 11.96, respectively), whereas issues relating to high cost, the long waiting hour in healthcare facility, and fear of side effects were reported for physical healthcare-seeking (OR: 9.80, 7.15, and 18.66, respectively) behavior. Conclusion Self-investigation, self-medications, and use of the Internet to seek healthcare information are evident among students of university. Students exhibited different health-seeking behavior for physical and mental illnesses. Barriers to health-seeking also differed. Institutions should use this information for the effective usage of healthcare services by students.