Health promotion on campus—how students are doing and what they ask for: Results of a survey among students of education science and human medicine at the University of Augsburg

Abstract

Background: Students in Germany are less likely to report good subjective health and more likely to have depressive symptoms than the 18- to 29-year-old general population. Objectives: The aim of the survey is to analyse health status, health behaviour and the topics of interest for health promotion and prevention measures as well as the differences present in this regard among students of education science and medicine at the University of Augsburg in order to derive future specific interventions. Materials and methods: The data were collected from online surveys of students in the bachelor and master of education science (N = 163) and human medicine (N = 100) at the University of Augsburg in the 2021/2022 winter term. Health status, health behaviour and interests in topics, formats and ideas for health promotion in the university setting are presented using uni-, bi- and multivariate analyses. Results: Both student groups show decreased mental health. Compared to medical students, the surveyed education science students show higher risks for depression, generalized anxiety disorder and physical complaints. About one in three respondents from both subject groups show a high experience of exhaustion as a subdimension of burnout and risky alcohol consumption. In 65.6% of education science and 41.0% of medical students there is evidence of an internet-related disorder. Almost every second student expressed interest in courses on physical exercise and relaxation/stress management. Education science students show a greater need for mental health services than medical students. Conclusion: Among students of education science and medical education, there is a high demand for preventive measures on issues with mental health, alcohol and internet consumption as well as exhaustion in the university setting. The implementation of these measures should consider the specifics of the study programs and promote a student health management that also takes into account students from other course of studies.