Nurse-Led Mental Health Interventions for College Students: A Systematic Review
Nancy G Russell1,2,3, Tamar Rodney2, Jennifer K Peterson2
1Johns Hopkins University Student Health & Well-Being, Baltimore, Maryland.
Preventing Chronic Disease
|May 1, 2025
Summary
Nurses play a key role in addressing college student mental health challenges, with nurse-led interventions showing promise for improving well-being. Further research is needed to optimize these vital services.
Area of Science:
- Nursing
- Public Health
- Higher Education
Background:
- College student mental health is a significant public health concern, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Nurses in college health services are often the first point of contact for students with mental health conditions.
- Limited evidence exists on the specific role and impact of nurses in college mental health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review nurse-led mental health interventions for college students.
- To examine the evidence base for nursing interventions in higher education mental health.
- To identify the scope and effectiveness of nurse-led mental health support in universities.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, ERIC).
- 16 studies were included in the systematic review after screening 2,814 identified articles.
- The quality and strength of evidence were assessed using the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice (JHNEBP) Guide.
Main Results:
- The 16 included studies originated from North America, southeastern Europe, and Asia.
- Interventions were nurse-facilitated and encompassed experimental, quality improvement, and educational strategies.
- Studies focused on students with pre-existing diagnoses or those experiencing mental health symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Nurse-led interventions demonstrate potential for improving college student mental well-being.
- Further research is essential to evaluate the effectiveness of these interventions and inform policy.
- Integrating nursing expertise into college health services can enhance student mental health outcomes and academic success.
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