Other Titles
PechaKucha Presentation
Abstract
Introduction: Despite efforts to improve healthcare use in the U.S., international students face unique barriers [1,2]. Over a million students, including 10,000 at the University of Pittsburgh, struggle with low literacy in U.S. healthcare systems, leading to confusion and delayed care. Mental health challenges are heightened by cultural stigma, language barriers, and limited knowledge [3,4,5]. We leveraged the Global Ties Program and university health departments to create an interprofessional educational series for international students, offering culturally relevant workshops and resources to address health barriers, raise mental and physical health awareness, and improve healthcare literacy.
Methods: In Fall 2024, the University of Pittsburgh held three 1.5-hour healthcare sessions—International Student Mental Wellbeing (ISMW), International Student Physical Wellbeing (ISPW), and Wellbeing for Underrepresented International Students (WUIS)—for international students. Organized with Student Affairs, the Provost Office, Office of International Services, Counseling Center, Human Resources, Dental Health Services, School of Pharmacy, and School of Nursing, each session targeted specific needs: ISMW addressed mental health stigma and cultural challenges; ISPW covered U.S. health insurance, dental resources, and OTC pharmacy; and WUIS offered a forum for students whose country represent less than 5% of the whole international population to discuss healthcare barriers. Feedback and health literacy assessments were gathered.
Results: In ISMW (n=70), students identified language barriers, costs, stigma, and fear as healthcare obstacles. ISPW (n=49) showed students with moderate health literacy challenges (mean: 11.07, SD: 4.04). Importantly, a lack of U.S. healthcare orientation was the top-reported barrier in both sessions. WUIS (n=10) students expressed mistrust in U.S. healthcare, citing cultural insensitivity and high provider turnover, and preference of home country care. Of 37 feedback responses, 32 students were very satisfied, and 5 were somewhat satisfied with the event.
Discussion: This initiative aims to improve health literacy and accessibility for international students through community partnerships, culturally relevant resources, and workshops. It uniquely brings university healthcare experts together via Global Ties, creating a supportive environment for questions. Future sessions may include qualitative analysis to better meet students' needs.
Notes
References:
1. Balghare, A. J. (2023). Exploring Healthcare Communication Gaps Between US Universities and Their International Students: A Technical Communication Approach. Communication Design Quarterly Review, 11(1), 19-31.
2. Clough, B. A., Nazareth, S. M., Day, J. J., & Casey, L. M. (2019). A comparison of mental health literacy, attitudes, and help-seeking intentions among domestic and international tertiary students. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 47(1), 123-135.
3. Liu, E., Arledge, S. A., Cai, M., Tao, D., & Li, W. (2023). Health Insurance Literacy and Medical Care Avoidance Among International Students: A Case Study. International Journal of Public Health, 68, 1605788.
4. Martin, S., & Dyer, J. (2017). Health maintenance practices and healthcare experiences among international university students. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, 29(11), 651-657.
5. Newton, D. C., Tomyn, A. J., & LaMontagne, A. D. (2021). Exploring the challenges and opportunities for improving the health and wellbeing of international students: perspectives of international students. JANZSSA: Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association, 29(1), 18-34.
Sigma Membership
Eta
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Interprofessional Initiatives, Interprofessional or Interdisciplinary, Health Equity or Social Determinants of Health, Health Literacy, International Students
Recommended Citation
Dong, Yue; Zhang, Yunjia; Grainer, Kelsey; Bandison, Lindsey; and Lee, Kyoungah, "Enhancing International Student Health Awareness and Literacy Through Interprofessional Education" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 182.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/presentations_2025/182
Conference Name
36th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Enhancing International Student Health Awareness and Literacy Through Interprofessional Education
Seattle, Washington, USA
Introduction: Despite efforts to improve healthcare use in the U.S., international students face unique barriers [1,2]. Over a million students, including 10,000 at the University of Pittsburgh, struggle with low literacy in U.S. healthcare systems, leading to confusion and delayed care. Mental health challenges are heightened by cultural stigma, language barriers, and limited knowledge [3,4,5]. We leveraged the Global Ties Program and university health departments to create an interprofessional educational series for international students, offering culturally relevant workshops and resources to address health barriers, raise mental and physical health awareness, and improve healthcare literacy.
Methods: In Fall 2024, the University of Pittsburgh held three 1.5-hour healthcare sessions—International Student Mental Wellbeing (ISMW), International Student Physical Wellbeing (ISPW), and Wellbeing for Underrepresented International Students (WUIS)—for international students. Organized with Student Affairs, the Provost Office, Office of International Services, Counseling Center, Human Resources, Dental Health Services, School of Pharmacy, and School of Nursing, each session targeted specific needs: ISMW addressed mental health stigma and cultural challenges; ISPW covered U.S. health insurance, dental resources, and OTC pharmacy; and WUIS offered a forum for students whose country represent less than 5% of the whole international population to discuss healthcare barriers. Feedback and health literacy assessments were gathered.
Results: In ISMW (n=70), students identified language barriers, costs, stigma, and fear as healthcare obstacles. ISPW (n=49) showed students with moderate health literacy challenges (mean: 11.07, SD: 4.04). Importantly, a lack of U.S. healthcare orientation was the top-reported barrier in both sessions. WUIS (n=10) students expressed mistrust in U.S. healthcare, citing cultural insensitivity and high provider turnover, and preference of home country care. Of 37 feedback responses, 32 students were very satisfied, and 5 were somewhat satisfied with the event.
Discussion: This initiative aims to improve health literacy and accessibility for international students through community partnerships, culturally relevant resources, and workshops. It uniquely brings university healthcare experts together via Global Ties, creating a supportive environment for questions. Future sessions may include qualitative analysis to better meet students' needs.
Description
International students face healthcare barriers in the U.S., including low literacy and stigma. The University of Pittsburgh’s Global Ties Program launched an interprofessional educational series, involving Student Affairs, the Counseling Center, Dental Services, Pharmacy, and Nursing to address health barriers, raise mental and physical health awareness, and improve healthcare literacy. Feedback showed high satisfaction and highlighted difficulties with health literacy and orientation.