Implementing university wellness program for mental wellbeing among health science students: A protocol for implementing an intervention program in higher educational institutions Chennai Tamil Nadu.

BACKGROUND

University students, especially those in the health sciences, face significant mental health challenges due to demanding academic schedules and personal stressors. The University Wellness Programme (UWP) is committed to enhancing mental health and overall well-being by implementing comprehensive interventions.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The pilot study was conducted at a private higher educational institution in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, with 200 health science students participating. The study is expected to expanded to include 600 participants. A quasi-experimental field study with a control group and a cross-sectional design was implemented. Interventions included recreational clubs, life skills and mindfulness training, and counselling services tailored to students. Data were collected using a validated wellness assessment tool with high reliability (Cronbach's alpha = 0.912). Pre- and post-intervention evaluations were conducted over a six-month period.

RESULTS

In the pilot study, 55% of students reported excellent overall wellness, while 15% reported poor wellness. Additionally, 20% of students reported experiencing high levels of depression, while 25% reported high levels of stress. Substantial improvements in students' mental health were observed, with reductions in anxiety, depression, and stress. The stress management sessions were found to be beneficial by 80% of students, while life skills training and recreational clubs received high participation rates and positive feedback.

CONCLUSION

The UWP's comprehensive, multimodal approach effectively improves mental health and reduces stress among health science students. The program's success highlights the importance of integrating mental health promotion into higher education. In order to enhance the well-being of students, future implementations should prioritize expanding counselling services, life skills development, and recreational activities. The results underscore the need for tailored interventions to address the unique stressors faced by students, advocating for policy development and dedicated funding for wellness programs in universities.