A mixed methods study exploring risk perceptions of international students related to non-sexually transmitted communicable diseases

Abstract

This parallel, mixed methods study explored the knowledge, risk perception, and health responses of international college students studying in the United States. Over 2800 international students from 7 U.S. universities completed an online survey, the Risk Perception of Infectious Diseases Questionnaire (RPIDQ), developed by the SARS Psychosocial Research Consortium. Responses were received from 101 international college students. Nine respondents participated in one-on-one face-to-face interviews. Findings identified gaps in knowledge and preferred sources of health information and provided insight into the meaning of the experiences of international college students.