Students as leaders in supporting campus well‐being: Peer‐to‐peer health promotion in higher education

Reis, Arianne Carvalhedo; Mortimer, Taylor; Rutherford, Erin; Sperandei, Sandro; Saheb, Rowena

doi:10.1002/hpja.495

Cited by 4 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 34 publications

(107 reference statements)

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“…It is possible this results in a more limited university social life experience and fewer peer group interactions than what is offered by a campus-based life, which may lead to a decreased opportunity to address mental health issues in the university setting. The higher demand for additional instruments to reduce stigma reported by students from Italy might be partly explained by their more limited opportunities to take part in the university's mental health advertisement and campaigns as compared with UK students more often living on campuses [ 87 , 93 , 94 ]. Indeed, students from Unimib, but not from UoS, clearly highlighted the reduction of mental health stigma as a key role of digital tools [ 1 , 73 , 74 , 95 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding University Students' Perspectives towards Digital Tools for Mental Health Support: A Cross-country Study

Riboldi,

Calabrese,

Piacenti

et al. 2024

CPEMH

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Background Organisational and individual barriers often prevent university students from seeking mental health support. Digital technologies are recognised as effective in managing psychological distress and as a source of health-related information, thus representing useful options to address mental health needs in terms of accessibility and cost-effectiveness. However, university students' experiences and perspectives towards such interventions are little known. Objectives We thus aimed to expand the existing base of scientific knowledge, focusing on this special population. Methods Data were from the qualitative component of “the CAMPUS study”, longitudinally assessing the mental health of students at the University of Milano-Bicocca (Italy) and the University of Surrey (UK). We conducted in-depth interviews and thematically analysed the transcripts using the framework approach. Results An explanatory model was derived from five themes identified across 33 interviews (15 for Italy, 18 for the UK). Students perceived that social media, apps, and podcasts could deliver relevant mental health content, ranging from primary to tertiary prevention. Wide availability and anonymity were perceived as advantages that make tools suitable for preventive interventions, to reduce mental health stigma, and as an extension of standard treatment. These goals can be hindered by disadvantages, namely lower efficacy compared to face-to-face contact, lack of personalisation, and problematic engagement. Individual and cultural specificities might influence awareness and perspectives on the use of digital technologies for mental health support. Conclusion Although considering some specific features, digital tools could be a useful instrument to support the mental health needs of students. Since personal contact remains crucial, digital tools should be integrated with face-to-face interventions through a multi-modal approach.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Understanding University Students' Perspectives towards Digital Tools for Mental Health Support: A Cross-country Study

Riboldi,

Calabrese,

Piacenti

et al. 2024

CPEMH

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Lastly, although not a primary focus of this review, one of the full-text reviewed articles focused on satisfaction from student-led campaigns. This article stated that more than 80 percent of respondents expressed that the student-led activities had a positive impact on their health and well-being, while over 90 percent advocated the importance of students leading health promotion activities (34). These findings all indicate that public health students can indeed lead health promotion campaigns to increase awareness, education and screening.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Types and outcomes of health promotion interventions led by public health students: a scoping review

Gonzalez-Aquines,

Bingham,

Kiilu

2023

Preprint

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BackgroundPublic health students can contribute to improving population health outcomes; however, this remains an under-researched area. This review aims to assess the extent of the literature related to health promotion interventions led by public health students. This includes what these interventions are and how they are being conducted, as well as their impact on targeted populations.MethodsA scoping review was conducted according to JBI guidelines. A search strategy was developed using the population, context, concept framework. MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase and Google Scholar were consulted. The selection process involved the screening of titles and abstracts against the inclusion criteria, followed by a full-text screening and data extraction by two reviewers. Disagreements were solved by consensus.Results191 studies were identified, but only five of these were included. The target populations included the general public, university students, and minority groups. Students were trained or supervised by experienced staff. The interventions were delivered using diverse means, including innovative approaches through social media. The student-led interventions increased access to preventive services (screening, vaccinations) and improved health knowledge within the target groups.ConclusionPublic health students make impactful contributions by increasing both the access to and the use of preventive services, as well as by promoting health knowledge. Our study contributes to the professionalisation of public health, highlighting for the first time the role of public health students in improving health outcomes. Furthermore, our study sheds light on the students’ impact on the reduction of health inequalities, particularly amongst minority groups.

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“…Other documented mechanisms to achieve this include curriculum initiatives, 47 the use of surveys to support identification of programming initiatives, 48 student-led events, 49 and peer-to-peer programs. 50 Advancing student focused and co-designed approaches are the future for student support programs and is a recommendation for future institutional efforts. Making policy space for student-led and co-designed health and well-being initiatives is required.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Focusing on student well‐being and social initiatives is imperative given the impact and disruptions the COVID‐19 pandemic has caused. Other documented mechanisms to achieve this include curriculum initiatives, 47 the use of surveys to support identification of programming initiatives, 48 student‐led events, 49 and peer‐to‐peer programs 50 . Advancing student focused and co‐designed approaches are the future for student support programs and is a recommendation for future institutional efforts.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Canine Support Program: Student perceptions and preferences at a regional university and implications for health, well‐being, and student support enhancements

Tom

King

McBain-Rigg

2023

Health Prom J of Aust

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Issue AddressedCanine Support Programs (CSPs) are a potential solution to growing university student support demands. While current studies focus on the impacts of CSPs, there is limited understanding of the views and expectations of tertiary students about CSPs. This study explored the perceptions and preferences of students in an Australian regional university about CSPs.MethodsA questionnaire with multiple choice and open‐ended questions surveyed residential students' perspectives about CSP. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical tests and thematic analysis for open responses.ResultsMajority (98%) of participants (sample n = 48) would support a CSP on campus. Frequent, small‐group interactions of ≥15 min involving physical contact were preferred. Dog disposition, welfare‐trained handlers, and veterinary certification were important aspects of program safety. Participants strongly agreed a CSP would improve mental health and well‐being, relieve stress, reduce feelings of homesickness, provide support, comfort, and enable social interactions.ConclusionThere is strong support among the study population for CSP to be established on campus. This study supports earlier research that CSP has benefit potential for new, stressed, and/or students who love dogs. The preferences of students should inform program design to enhance utility and impact. This aligns with Health Promoting Universities and College's Okanagan Charter principle of ‘engaging student voices’. More institutional awareness and support for CSPs will be necessary for integration.So What?This study reveals the need for tailored and creative student support beyond traditional offerings including those that focus on student well‐being and social initiatives. CSPs can be utilised as an advocate, enabler, and medium for mental health promotion action and well‐being support for tertiary students; thereby, contributing to the ‘Health Promoting University’ agenda in Australia. It also reinforces the need for a Health in All Policies approach to be incorporated into our tertiary education sector. Future actions should focus on improving institutional awareness, support, and sector implementation.

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Students as leaders in supporting campus well‐being: Peer‐to‐peer health promotion in higher education

Abstract: Issue addressed: This study aimed to analyse the relationship between peer-delivered health promotion programmes and student well-being and to expand the limited body of research examining peer-to-peer mental health promotion as experienced by student leaders.

Cited by 4 publications

References 34 publications

Understanding University Students' Perspectives towards Digital Tools for Mental Health Support: A Cross-country Study

Understanding University Students' Perspectives towards Digital Tools for Mental Health Support: A Cross-country Study

Types and outcomes of health promotion interventions led by public health students: a scoping review

Canine Support Program: Student perceptions and preferences at a regional university and implications for health, well‐being, and student support enhancements

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