Edward P Mulligan1, Tara Dickson, Julie DeVahl. 1. UT Southwestern School of Health Professions, 6011 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 76039, USA. Tel 214-648-1553, fax 214-648-1511. ed.mulligan@utsouthwestern.edu.
Abstract
AIMS: The impact of student debt management on mental health, career choices, and advanced training in allied health professions is unknown. The purpose of this project was to pilot a survey that identifies students' financial literacy and self-efficacy. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey containing 43 items related to financial habits, savings knowledge, credit and borrowing strategies, and investment knowledge was administered to assess financial literacy, self-efficacy, and career plans in a group of health professions graduate students. RESULTS: 134 of 268 surveys were completed by a variety of health professions. Financial habits and credit and borrowing categories scored the highest at 50% correct. Students scored the lowest on investment knowledge with an average of 25% correct responses. The overall mean self-efficacy score was 15.5±3.8. Three independent variables had a significant correlation of determination with overall financial literacy, which included marital status, older age, and individuals who identified as white non-Hispanic. Similarly, identification as white non-Hispanic had a significant correlation of determination with financial self-efficacy, but there were no significant differences based on age or marital status. CONCLUSIONS: Allied health students demonstrated low financial literacy and self-efficacy. Health care educators should consider delivering educational content to address these deficits.
AIMS: The impact of student debt management on mental health, career choices, and advanced training in allied health professions is unknown. The purpose of this project was to pilot a survey that identifies students' financial literacy and self-efficacy. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey containing 43 items related to financial habits, savings knowledge, credit and borrowing strategies, and investment knowledge was administered to assess financial literacy, self-efficacy, and career plans in a group of health professions graduate students. RESULTS: 134 of 268 surveys were completed by a variety of health professions. Financial habits and credit and borrowing categories scored the highest at 50% correct. Students scored the lowest on investment knowledge with an average of 25% correct responses. The overall mean self-efficacy score was 15.5±3.8. Three independent variables had a significant correlation of determination with overall financial literacy, which included marital status, older age, and individuals who identified as white non-Hispanic. Similarly, identification as white non-Hispanic had a significant correlation of determination with financial self-efficacy, but there were no significant differences based on age or marital status. CONCLUSIONS: Allied health students demonstrated low financial literacy and self-efficacy. Health care educators should consider delivering educational content to address these deficits.