Advisory Committee Chair
Kristine R Hearld
Advisory Committee Members
Larry R Hearld
Stephen J O'Connor
C Ray Hayes
Document Type
Dissertation
Date of Award
2019
Degree Name by School
Executive Doctor of Science (DSc) School of Health Professions
Abstract
Most college students have access to basic health services through their campus’ college health program. Unfortunately, students who lack health insurance may be limited in their access to health services beyond the acute care provided, which may manifest in a myriad of adverse outcomes; ultimately resulting in withdrawal from college without graduating. Student health insurance plans (SHIPs) are high-quality, affordable insurance plans specially designed to meet this need. This study utilized survival analysis to examine the temporal nature of college graduation behavior, as it related to student health insurance status. The results of this study show no significant relationship between student health insurance and a student’s risk of graduating. Based on these findings, health care and higher education administrators should carefully consider mandating student health insurance policies until more data is available. Additionally, the need for additional studies on the empirical relationship between student health-related factors, academic performance, and graduation are noted.
Recommended Citation
Lovett, John Robert, "Insuring Graduation: An Analysis Of The Association Between Student Health Insurance And Graduation" (2019). All ETDs from UAB. 2340.
https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/etd-collection/2340