UNIVERSAL HEALTH

Background: Universal Health Coverage (UHC) aims to ensure that all individuals have access to needed health services of adequate quality without financial hardship. As future healthcare providers and health-system leaders, medical and dental students play an important role in advancing UHC through clinical practice, advocacy, and policy engagement. Objectives: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of Universal Health Coverage among medical and dental students of the University of Benin, Nigeria, and examined associated socio-demographic factors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate medical and dental students using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were presented as frequencies and percentages, while associations were tested using the Chi-square test at a 5% level of significance. Results: Most respondents demonstrated good knowledge of UHC (60.1%) and positive attitudes toward its principles (89.0%). However, perceptions revealed notable concerns regarding the financial sustainability of UHC and its potential impact on quality of care. Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions were significantly more favorable among older students, those in higher academic levels, and those with formal exposure to health policy or UHC training (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Medical and dental students at the University of Benin generally possess good knowledge and positive attitudes toward Universal Health Coverage, but their perceptions reflect realistic concerns about implementation challenges within Nigeria’s health system. Strengthening early, structured, and policy-oriented UHC education during undergraduate training is essential to prepare future healthcare professionals to effectively contribute to achieving UHC in Nigeria.