Universities are increasingly recognised as key settings for promoting health and wellbeing to enhance academic success, career readiness, and lifelong healthy behaviours. This research conducted a large baseline survey of students at an Australian university to examine health, academic, and social factors influencing wellbeing. The findings were used to inform the university’s new Student Health and Wellbeing Framework. More than 14,000 students participated, reporting on physical and mental health, stress, risk behaviours, and service use.
About one in three experienced significant psychological distress, while international students were less aware of and less likely to access available support services. The results highlight the need for universities to better understand student health needs, tailor wellbeing initiatives, and deliver inclusive, accessible health communication. This research provides a strong foundation for developing evidence-based Healthy Campus strategies.
Citation: Sanci, L., Williams, I., Russell, M., Chondros, P., Duncan, A. M., Tarzia, L., Peter, D., Lim, M. S. Y., Tomyn, A., & Minas, H. Towards a health promoting university: Descriptive findings on health, wellbeing and academic performance amongst university students in Australia. BMC Public Health, Volume 22, 2022. (link)
