Examination of Healthcare Demand Postponement Behaviors among University Students: The Case of Konya Province

Lütfiye TEKPINAR

doi:10.64086/SusWel.2026.31

Lütfiye TEKPINAR, Rabia ZARIFI

Year : 2026
Vol : 4
Issue : 1
Page : 12-27

DOI : 10.64086/SusWel.2026.31

Failure to receive health services in a timely manner leads to delayed diagnosis and worsening health conditions, while also increasing the use of resources. In some cases, this situation may lead to the postponement of seeking healthcare services. University students may delay accessing professional healthcare due to academic workload, time constraints, economic factors, and the tendency to underestimate health problems. This study is descriptive and quantitative research aiming to examine healthcare demand postponement behaviors among university students and the factors affecting these behaviors. The data were collected from 606 students using a personal information form and the Healthcare Demand Postponement Behavior Scale. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, and one-way analysis of variance were used in data analysis, while the relationships between variables were evaluated using Pearson correlation analysis. The reliability analysis of the scale revealed a Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient of 0.827, indicating an acceptable level of internal consistency. The results showed that the level of healthcare demand postponement among students was moderate, with a mean score of 2.67 ± 0.64. It was found that students tended to consult their social environment (3.17 ± 0.96) and seek solutions on the internet (2.79 ± 1.03), while postponing professional healthcare services. Additionally, statistically significant differences were found between healthcare demand postponement behavior and variables such as gender, marital status, age, income level, and frequency of healthcare utilization. In conclusion, healthcare demand postponement behavior among university students was found to be at a moderate level and to have a multidimensional structure influencedsocioeconomic factors.

Cite this Article As : Zarifi, R., & Tekpınar, L. (2026). Üniversite öğrencilerinin sağlık hizmetlerinde talep erteleme davranışlarının incelenmesi: Konya ili örneği. Sustainable Welfare, 4(1), 12-27.

Description : Yazarların hiçbiri, bu makalede bahsedilen herhangi bir ürün, aygıt veya ilaç ile ilgili maddi çıkar ilişkisine sahip değildir. Araştırma, herhangi bir dış organizasyon tarafından desteklenmedi.Yazarlar çalışmanın birincil verilerine tam erişim izni vermek ve derginin talep ettiği takdirde verileri incelemesine izin vermeyi kabul etmektedirler. None of the authors, any product mentioned in this article, does not have a material interest in the device or drug. Research, not supported by any external organization. grant full access to the primary data and, if requested by the magazine they agree to allow the examination of data.

Examination of Healthcare Demand Postponement Behaviors among University Students: The Case of Konya Province, Research Article,
2026, Vol. 4 (1)

Received : 29.04.2026, Accepted : 10.06.2026 , Published Online : 30.06.2026