Assessing Government Hospital Health Services: A Cross-sectional Study Among Students of Selected Degree Colleges in Etawah

Abstract

 Background: Government hospitals play a pivotal role in ensuring affordable and accessible healthcare for all. College students, as young adults, often encounter unique health challenges and are an important demographic for understanding public healthcare utilisation. However, the extent to which college-going students aged 18 to 25 years utilize these services remains underexplored.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 100-degree college students in Etawah district, Uttar Pradesh. A structured questionnaire assessed demographics, awareness, utilisation patterns, and barriers to accessing government hospital services. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and visualized through bar charts, pie charts, and tables.
Results: Awareness of government healthcare services was reported by 65% of respondents, with rural students (72%) showing higher awareness than urban students (58%). Utilisation rates were highest for general outpatient services (45%), followed by specialized care (20%), emergency services (10%), and mental health services (5%). Major barriers included long waiting times (60%), perceived inferior quality of care (40%), and lack of awareness (35%). Mental health services
were stigmatised, particularly among male students.
Conclusion: Significant gaps in awareness and utilisation of government healthcare services exist among college-going students. Structured awareness campaigns, infrastructure improvements, and targeted mental health initiatives are recommended to improve accessibility and utilisation.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2455.9199.202411

How to cite this article:
Kumari J, Verma A, Mani A, Sharma A. Assessing
Government Hospital Health Services: A Cross
sectional Study Among Students of Selected
Degree Colleges in Etawah. J. HealthCare Edu.
& Med. Inform. 2024;11(3&4):6-9.