Assessing health insurance acquisition preparedness in university students

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to assess health insurance acquisition awareness, knowledge, and associated emotions among college students preparing to enter the workforce. Methods A 21-item survey was developed to gather data on knowledge, awareness, and emotions associated with health insurance acquisition conversations with future employers. Results Most respondents (91.1%), indicated they have thought about obtaining their own health insurance. The study found that participants rated acquiring health insurance more important the closer the respondent was to graduation; F(4,96) = 3.84, p = .006. An increase in stress emotions was indicated (F(4,96)=14.41, p = .000) and a reduction in positive emotions (F(4,96) = 2.99, p = .035) regarding health insurance acquisition post-graduation. Conclusions College students identify low knowledge and indicate high levels of stress regarding health insurance conversations with future employers post-graduation. These findings are important for developing self-efficacy-based health education content preparing students for engaging in these conversations confidently and effectively.