Faktor-Faktor yang Berhubungan dengan Preferensi Mahasiswa Perantau Universitas Sumatera Utara dalam Memilih Fasilitas Pelayanan Kesehatan di Kota Medan

Abstract

Out - of - town students are a vulnerable group facing challenges in utilizing health services in a new environment. Health services are highly necessary to ensure health conditions that impact the well-being and academic success of out-of-town students. Understanding their preferences becomes important so that health needs can be optimally met and treatment delays can be prevented. Universitas Sumatera Utara is one of the leading universities in Indonesia that has many students from various regions. This research aims to identify the factors related to the preferences of out-of-town students of Universitas Sumatera Utara in choosing health services facilities in Medan City. This type of research is quantitative with a cross-sectional design. The population in this study was migrant students from the 2022-2024 cohorts, totaling 507 students, with a sample of 85 students selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed with the chi-square test. The results showed a significant relationship between parents' income (p-value = 0.029), cost (p-value = 0.003), friend/family recommendations, and information exposure (p-value = 0.038) with preferences for healthcare facilities. Conversely, no significant relationship was found between JKN ownership (p-value = 0.224), ease of access (p-value = 0.484), and history of illness (p-value = 0.931) with these preferences. Based on the research results, educational institutions need to provide clear information to migrant students about easily accessible and affordable health services. In addition, health services providers are advised to be more proactive in disseminating information about available services, advantages, and various service packages offered.