Mental health challenges, treatment experiences, and care needs of post-secondary students: a cross-sectional mixed-methods study

Abstract

Background: Post-secondary students are at a greater risk of developing mental health problems than the general population. However, they present meagre rates of treatment-seeking behaviours. This elevated prevalence of mental health problems, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, can lead to distress, poor academic performance, and lower job prospects following the completion of their education. To address the needs of this population, it is important to understand students' perceptions of mental health and the barriers preventing or limiting their access to care. Methods: A broad-scoping online survey was publicly distributed to post-secondary students, collecting demographic, sociocultural, economic, and educational information while assessing various components of mental health. Results: In total, 448 students across post-secondary institutions in Ontario, Canada, responded to the survey. Over a third (n = 170; 38.6%) of respondents reported a formal mental health diagnosis. Depression and generalized anxiety disorder were the most commonly reported diagnoses. Most respondents felt that post-secondary students have poor mental health (n = 253; 60.5%) and inadequate coping strategies (n = 261; 62.4%). The most frequently reported barriers to care were financial (n = 214; 50.5%), long wait times (n = 202; 47.6%), insufficient resources (n = 165; 38.9%), time constraints (n = 148; 34.9%), stigma (n = 133; 31.4%), cultural barriers (n = 108; 25.5%), and past negative experiences with mental health care (n = 86; 20.3%). Most students felt their post-secondary institution needed to increase mental health resources (n = 306; 73.2%) and awareness (n = 231; 56.5%). Most students who had or were receiving care viewed in-person therapy as more helpful than online care. However, there was uncertainty about the helpfulness and accessibility of different forms of treatment, including online interventions. Conclusions: Lack of resources, barriers to care, and uncertainty surrounding interventions contribute to the low treatment-seeking behaviours observed in post-secondary students. The survey findings indicate that multiple upstream approaches, including formal mental health education, may address the varying needs of this critical population. Online mental health interventions may be a promising solution to accessibility issues.

Complications and psychological impact of pressure ulcers on patients and caregivers

“…Notwithstanding the apparent psychological strain, a considerable proportion of the participants in our research did not procure psychological counselling. This highlights the possible deficiency in comprehensive care methodologies, a matter that Moghimi et al 32 also draw attention to.…”

Experiences using an online therapist-guided psychotherapy platform (OPTT) in correctional workers with depression, anxiety, and PTSD

“…The CW post-participation self-reporting survey was adapted from previous surveys developed by the research team through extensive literature reviews, consulting previously validated instruments, and reviewing qualitative data collected at the first stage of the trial ( 8 , 9 , 19 ). Following revisions from members of the research team, the final survey ( Supplementary Data 1 .…”

Examining the mental health and well-being of tertiary students at Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) in Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe.

“…Internationally, stress related challenges have affected tertiary students worldwide, while Germany, United States of America and Hong Kong have higher figures showing self-reported levels of poor performance and low grades and Australia recording 85% (Pascoe et al, 2020;Hysenbegasi et al, 2005). In the same vein, Canadian universities had similar instances in which students' distress, dropouts, and challenges of finding employment lead to mental health breakdown as they were unable to cope (Moghimi et al, 2023). The latter add that a study conducted with 448 Ontario university students, indicate that 60.5% did not have good mental health, 62.4% were ill equipped with mental health handling strategies while financial challenges and inadequate resources had 50.5% and 38.9% respectively.…”

“…,Moghimi et al (2023),Andrew & Wilding (2004),Pogrmilovic et al (2021) andMutambara et al (2015). There is a probability of a reduction in the number of students who dropout, defer studies while attracting new students, and improve the completion rate as well if financial issues are addressed.…”