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Open Access 04-01-2025 | Original Article

Assessment of study conditions, needs for action and students’ mental health in Germany – results from the cross-sectional StudiBiFra study

Authors: Jennifer Lehnchen, Stefanie M. Helmer, Katherina Heinrichs, Julia Burian, Zita Deptolla, Eileen Heumann, Christiane Stock

Published in: Journal of Public Health

Abstract

Aim

The aim of this research is to describe students’ assessment of study conditions and needs for action from a students’ perspective, and to investigate the association of study conditions with students’ mental health.

Subject and methods

The cross-sectional StudiBiFra study includes data from 24,533 students of 13 universities in Germany. Data were collected between June 2021 and March 2023 using the “Bielefeld Questionnaire on Study Conditions and Mental Health”. Students rated 22 domains of study conditions, the urgency of needs for action, and four scales of mental health. T-tests and ANOVAs were used to examine differences between groups of students. Associations between satisfaction with study conditions and mental health were analysed using linear regression models.

Results

Students reported highest levels of satisfaction and lowest needs for action with lecturers’ support for writing a thesis, university culture, and the quality of students’ cooperation. Lowest satisfaction and highest needs for action were found in the support during final year of study, time requirements, examinations and academic achievements, and career prospects. Higher satisfaction with study conditions was overall associated with better mental health. The strongest associations with mental health outcomes were found for examinations and academic achievements, time requirements, fit of course content/competency development, and quality of students’ cooperation.

Conclusion

This study shows moderate to high associations of all study conditions under investigation with students’ mental health and provides detailed insights into study conditions relevant to mental health. Addressing these study conditions through institutional, data-supported preventive interventions should be prioritized to promote students’ mental health in a sustainable way.

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Title: Assessment of study conditions, needs for action and students’ mental health in Germany – results from the cross-sectional StudiBiFra study
Authors: Jennifer Lehnchen
Stefanie M. Helmer
Katherina Heinrichs
Julia Burian
Zita Deptolla
Eileen Heumann
Christiane Stock
Publication date: 04-01-2025
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Journal of Public Health
Print ISSN: 2198-1833
Electronic ISSN: 1613-2238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-024-02387-9

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Springer Medicine

Assessment of study conditions, needs for action and students’ mental health in Germany – results from the cross-sectional StudiBiFra study

Abstract

Aim

Subject and methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on adolescent vaping

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Aim

Subject and methods

Results

Conclusion

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