The mental health support needs of university students with long-term physical health conditions
ISSN: 0965-4283
Article publication date: 4 May 2022
Issue publication date: 28 June 2022
Abstract
Purpose
Supporting the mental health of university students is a key priority for higher education. Students living with long-term health conditions are at increased risk of poor mental health; yet little work has focused on their particular mental health needs or indeed, the implications for health education in the university setting. This study sought to identify the mental health support needs of students with long-term conditions, including best ways for universities to support these students.
Design/methodology/approach
A UK national online survey of 200 university students living with long-term physical health conditions (e.g. asthma, endometriosis, epilepsy) was conducted in 2019.
Findings
95% of respondents reported that their long-term condition/s had at least a moderate impact on their mental wellbeing, with 81% reporting that they felt depressed and anxious at least once a month because of their health. The most common suggestion for how universities can better support their mental wellbeing was to raise awareness about long-term conditions on campuses, with many reporting a lack of understanding about long-term conditions from academic and support services staff members – with negative impacts on their mental health. Because of this, some respondents reported a reluctance to come forward and seek help from university services, with 25% not formally disclosing their conditions.
Originality/value
These reported concerns underscore the need to develop health education amongst university staff about long-term conditions and to ensure these students are supported with their health at university.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank all participants for taking part in the study, and Anglia Ruskin University for funding the study.
Declarations of interest: None.
Funding: This study was conducted with funding from the Anglia Ruskin University Research and Enterprise Investment Programme 2018/19.
Citation
Wilson, C. and Spencer, G. (2022), "The mental health support needs of university students with long-term physical health conditions", Health Education, Vol. 122 No. 5, pp. 584-598. https://doi.org/10.1108/HE-01-2022-0004
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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