Health Networks of Foreign Students

Abstract

The purpose of this research was an exploratory study with the intent of the creation of hypotheses. The primary aim was to inductively examine how the networks that international graduate students form affect the decision-making behavior regarding health care. In order to better understand this process acculturation of foreign students and general utilization of health facilities in Oklahoma were examined.This study found that levels of integration of the foreign students academic department and their willingness to assist the student in nonacademic ways greatly influenced the ease of which the student formed new networks and adjusted to campus. The university health facility was designated as the preferred facility for health service even though satisfaction with the facility was only average. Access to information about the student health insurance plan was listed as the most common barrier to health care.