Nurture-U student mental health longitudinal survey: a study protocol

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• University students face significant mental health challenges, with rising concerns amplified by recent global events.
• There is a need for longitudinal data on student mental health within the UK context.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address gaps in longitudinal data on UK university student mental health.
• To identify risk and protective factors influencing student well-being.
• To establish a comprehensive dataset for future mental health research in higher education.

Main Methods:

• The Nurture-U survey, building on the U-Flourish study, is a longitudinal study at five UK universities.
• Over 5000 students will provide data annually on well-being, mental health symptoms, lifestyle, and support access.
• Recruitment targets all students, with a focus on first-year students to monitor trajectories from entry.

Main Results:

• Data collection is ongoing; results will be disseminated upon completion.
• The study is designed to yield insights into the evolving mental health landscape of university students.

Conclusions:

• The Nurture-U study will provide crucial longitudinal data on UK student mental health.
• Findings will inform targeted interventions and support strategies for university student populations.
• Understanding risk and protective factors is essential for promoting student well-being in higher education.