Prevalence of mental health problems in Australian university health services (original) (raw)
Related papers
Postgraduate Medical Journal, 2013
Purpose To descriptively assess medical students' concerns for their mental and emotional state, perceived need to conceal mental problems, perceived level of support at university, knowledge and use of student support services, and experience of stresses of daily life. Study design From March to September 2011, medical students at an Australian university were invited to complete an anonymous online survey. Results 475 responses were received. Students rated study and examinations (48.9%), financial concerns (38.1%), isolation (19.4%) and relationship concerns (19.2%) as very or extremely stressful issues. Knowledge of available support services was high, with 90.8% indicating they were aware of the university's medical centre. Treatment rates were modest (31.7%). Students' concerns about their mental state were generally low, but one in five strongly felt they needed to conceal their emotional problems. Conclusions Despite widespread awareness of appropriate support se...
Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 2012
Objective: To examine differences between university students, vocational education and training (VET) students, tertiary students combined and non-students in the prevalence of psychological distress and the socio-demographic and economic characteristics associated with psychological distress. Method: The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale was used to estimate the prevalence of moderate (16–21) and high (22–50) distress with data from three national surveys: the 2007 Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, the 2007–08 National Health Survey (NHS), and the 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (NSMHWB). Multinomial logistic regression models were also estimated using the HILDA survey to examine any differences in the characteristics associated with moderate and high distress between the groups. Results: There was evidence of a higher prevalence of moderate distress in tertiary students than non-students in the HILDA survey (27.1% vs 21.2%, ...
Under the Radar: The Mental Health of Australian University Students
JANZSSA. Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association, 2017
Australian and international research suggests university students are experiencing heightened psychological distress, in part due to academic and financial pressures, isolation, loneliness and poor self-care. University years also often coincide with the critical transition period (between the ages of 17 and 25 years) when mental illness is most likely to onset. While the Australian Government's higher education policies have driven increases in participation and equity, little attention has been given to supporting the 'mental wealth' of students and responding to experiences (and risk factors) of mental ill-health which can place them at risk of academic failure. Further, mental health and suicide prevention policies across all levels of government have focused on providing educational support within primary and secondary school settings and largely ignored the role of tertiary education. This is despite the significant numbers of Australian young people engaged in these settings. There remains contention about the extent of the problem and whether the core business of higher education delivery includes supporting students' mental health and wellbeing. Regardless, universities across Australia have been independently developing policies and programs to respond to mental health issues presenting on campus. As such, national leadership and guidance is needed to: a) improve data collection on the prevalence of mental ill-health among university students; b) articulate the reasonable expectations of universities in responding to students' mental health issues; c) describe opportunities for partnership between universities and community mental health services; and d) promote evidence-based, appropriate and acceptable programs and interventions.
Actions taken to deal with mental health problems in Australian higher education students
Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 2012
With approximately 50% of young people aged 18-24 in tertiary education, these are potential settings for programmes to improve mental health literacy. A survey was carried out with students and staff of a tertiary education institution to investigate psychological distress, actions to deal with mental health problems and first-aid behaviours.
Mental health in medical students: time to act
The Clinical Teacher, 2019
Background: Mental health problems are prevalent amongst medical students. However, many students delay seeking medical help or support from the medical school for a variety of reasons, including a fear of facing fitness to practice proceedings. Tackling this problem of awareness and delayed presentation will need a strong and dedicated focus at all stages, with prevention being of great importance. Methods: A conference dedicated to mental health and well-being was organised for students of all years. The first part of the conference centred on well-being Many students are unaware of the support services available
Update on the development of the Australian University mental health framework
Journal of the Australian and New Zealand Student Services Association, 2020
In 2017, Orygen published the report, Under the radar: The mental health of Australian university students. The report recommended the need for national leadership and guidance to address what appeared to be an issue of growing concern for students and the university sector. This included guidance to: a) describe reasonable expectations of universities and the mental health sector in responding to student's mental health issues; b) promote evidence-based interventions and programs for supporting student mental health within these settings; and c) highlight opportunities for partnership between universities and community mental health services. In September 2018, the Australian Government announced funding would be provided to Orygen to develop an Australian University Mental Health Framework. As the project nears completion, this article provides an overview on the process and progress to date, including the key findings from extensive consultations across the university and mental health sectors and, importantly, with students. The article also presents the key areas of action for the university sector and the mental health sector currently articulated in a draft of the Framework, which will soon be available for wider consultation.
Australian university students and mental health: viewpoints from the literature
2017
With more than 1.3 million students currently attending Australian universities and an estimated 20% of these experiencing a mental illness it is time this issue received more focused attention. Despite a number of initiatives being conducted there is a still lack of research that provides a comprehensive overview on the mental health of Australian university students which considers the policy landscape designed to support student learning. This research attempts to help fill that gap by providing a purposeful audit of the relevant literature. Specific material examined includes peer reviewed journal articles published within the past five years, the Australian Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA), Bradley Review of Australian Higher Education (2008), and presentations from six keynote speakers at the 2017 Inaugural Australasian Mental Health and Higher Education Conference (IAMHHEC). Findings reveal that, despite student mental health being a widely recognised global concern, ...
The mental health of university students in the United Kingdom
British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 2013
There are increasing concerns globally about the mental health of students (Kadison, & Digeronimo, 2004). In the UK, the actual incidence of mental disturbance is unknown, although university counselling services report increased referrals (Association of University & College Counselling, 2011). This study assesses the levels of mental illness in undergraduate students to examine whether widening participation in education has resulted in increases as hypothesized by the UK Royal College of Psychiatrists (2003, 2011). Patterns of disturbance across years are compared to identify where problems arise. Students (N = 1197) completed the General Health Questionnaire-28 either on day one at university or midway through the academic year for first, second and third year students. Rates of mental illness in students equalled those of the general population but only 5.1% were currently receiving treatment. Second year students reported the most significant increases in psychiatric symptoms. Factors contributing to the problem are discussed.