“It’s on Me”: Perspectives of College Students Without Complex Medical Needs Learning to Manage Their Health Care

Abstract

Objective:

Most of the transition literature has examined adolescents and young adults with special health care needs, though many youth will eventually transition to adult health care providers, regardless of medical complexity. This study addressed this gap by examining transition needs and experiences specifically within a college student sample of emerging adults without complex medical needs.

Methods:

One hundred eight college students (M_age = 20.93 years, SD = 1.14) completed interviews and questionnaires regarding transition. The most difficult and easiest aspects of health care self-management were thematically coded. Differences in questionnaires were assessed across sources of transition education.

Results:

Fifty-two percent of college students reported receiving education about managing health care from medical providers versus 95% from caregivers. Notably, 57% desired more support. Those receiving medical provider education reported higher responsibility. Students reported most difficulty managing health insurance. Results were similar across racial and ethnic groups and genders.

Conclusions:

Gaps in transition preparation include low rates of medical provider education and support regarding health insurance. College students receiving education from medical providers reported greater health care responsibility. Provider-led transition education is needed for college students without complex medical needs.

Implications for Impact Statement

This study suggests that college students without complex medical conditions experience gaps in transition preparation. Although half reported talking to their medical provider about transitioning to adult care, many desired more support, with the greatest difficulty reported in learning to manage health insurance.