More than 50 % of university students needed psychological support during the last semester

The Ministry of Universities has published the results of the study on "Mental health among Spanish University Students", launched together with the Ministry of Health in March 2022 to diagnose the mental health situation of university students and to stimulate university policies that benefit the well-being of university students.

The main results of the study reveal that more than 50% of students perceived the need for psychological support for recent mental health problems during the last four-month period, and the same percentage have consulted a health professional at some point over a mental health issue. The prevalence of moderate or severe anxiety is reported by about one in two students, and one in five claim to have had suicidal thoughts in the previous two weeks.

The study also shows that there is a higher percentage of depressive symptoms, anxiety and clinical or severe insomnia among female students, but a lower percentage of risky alcohol consumption compared to male students. Last, 17% stated that they had been prescribed tranquillisers, anxiolytics, antidepressants or hypnotics by a medical professional in the previous four-month period.

Development of the study

The mental health of young university students has become an issue of growing concern. In recent years, low levels of emotional wellbeing have been identified in some sectors of the population, especially aggravated by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, all with worrying implications from a public health point of view. The global health crisis has highlighted the importance of addressing mental health issues among the university population, especially with regard to socialisation and personal and collective growth.

In March 2022, the Ministries of Universities and Health set up an internal working group with the participation of representatives of CRUE Spanish Universities and the Spanish University Student Council, with the aim of carrying out a detailed diagnosis of the mental health situation of university students in Spain. This study was designed with the aim of obtaining an in-depth picture of this group, in collaboration with the Biomedical Health Network Centre for Mental Health and the Aplica Cooperative.

Two analyses were carried out as part of the study, one quantitative and the other qualitative. The first aims to describe the prevalence of mental health problems in the student body of Spanish public and private universities, to obtain real global data on the current situation.

For this purpose, two nationwide surveys were carried out in two different periods of the academic calendar. Phase I was conducted from 2 November to 14 December 2022, and Phase II from 12 April to 22 May 2023. In the two surveys, variables of interest (demographic, social isolation, study-related, subjective reasons for distress, etc.) were included through conducting questionnaires to screen for symptoms of anxiety and depression, alcohol and other substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts and behaviours, among others.

The qualitative study aimed to identify the resources that contribute to improving students' capacities for good health and well-being, and to show the barriers that limit these capacities and the strategies for improving emotional well-being among university students.

The study includes a total of 86 proposals for improving emotional well-being made by the student body, including the promotion of meeting spaces between students and teaching staff, and improving the dissemination of specific mental health support services.

It is important to remember that mental health is a fundamental human right and that all people, regardless of age or social status, are entitled to adequate care and protection. To this effect, in accordance with the provisions of the new Organic Law of the University System (LOSU), universities must provide services for prevention and psycho-pedagogical guidance and for the promotion of well-being on campus.

Non official translation