BackgroundOf the millions of students enrolled in university, up to 50% will experience a mental disorder. Many of these students do not seek help, and for those who do, university-based services are often over-burdened. Anonymous, evidence-based, online interventions can improve students’ access to mental health support. The Uni Virtual Clinic (UVC) is a transdiagnostic online mental health program designed specifically for university students. This paper reports on a randomised controlled trial examining the effectiveness of the UVC in a sample of Australian university students.MethodsUniversity students with elevated psychological distress (K10>15; n = 200) were randomised to the UVC intervention or a waitlist control condition for a period of 6 weeks. Baseline, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up surveys assessed depression, anxiety, self-efficacy, quality of life, adherence, and satisfaction with the UVC intervention.ResultsMixed models analysis demonstrated that use of the UVC was associated with small significant reductions in social anxiety and small improvements in academic self-efficacy. The program was not effective in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or psychological distress compared to a control group. The majority of participants in the intervention condition who were retained at follow-up engaged with the program, and most of these participants reported satisfaction with the UVC.DiscussionThe results suggest that multi-component online interventions such as the UVC have utility in a university environment. Future trials of the UVC should examine the impact of guidance and/or tailoring on treatment efficacy, and the potential role of the UVC in a stepped care model incorporating on-campus services.

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Given the high rates of students who approach staff about mental health problems, there is a critical need to provide and promote both formal mental health response training and explicit guidelines for staff on when, how, and where to refer students for help.

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Background Alzheimer's disease and dementia are prevalent conditions globally. People with Alzheimer's disease and dementia commonly experience mental health problems, negative emotional states, and behavioural disturbance. Music therapy has previously been used in this population to improve symptoms of mental health problems; however, there is a paucity of evidence-based programs that also explore positive outcomes such as overall quality of life, social outcomes, as well as the acceptability and sustainability of these programs. Aims This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the specialised Music Engagement Program (MEP) in improving quality of life, wellbeing, and depression symptoms, in aged-care residents with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The project also aims to explore how the MEP could be applied and maintained on a broader level throughout the aged-care community. Methods The intervention will take place over 8 weeks in an aged-care facility for people living with dementia in Canberra, Australia. Weekly 45-60-min group singing sessions will be led by a music facilitator. Results The results of the study will be submitted for publication in relevant academic journals and mental health conferences, disseminated to participants on request, to the residential care facility, and via the lead researcher's website. Conclusions This study can provide an indication of the feasibility of the MEP in enhancing the mental health and wellbeing of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Further investigation will be required to establish the MEP's ability to be maintained on an ongoing basis with minimal costs and administrative support. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12618001690246