Demographic, history, university and lifestyle factors associated with university student mental health: cross-sectional analysis across five UK universities

Dooley, Jemima, Morse, Katheryn F., Byrom, Nicola, Chamberlain, Samuel, Davie, Emma, Snell, Gabriella Dattero, Duffy, Anne, Dorey, Lucy, Forty, Liz, Matlock, Kevin A., Manchanda, Tanya, Marshall, Ellen, Newbold, Alexandra, Rees, Sarah J., Robinson, Lucy, Saunders, Kate, Whitmore, Alanis and Watkins, Edward 2026. Demographic, history, university and lifestyle factors associated with university student mental health: cross-sectional analysis across five UK universities. The British Journal of Psychiatry 10.1192/bjp.2026.10777

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Abstract

Background The whole-university approach to mental health emphasises that well-being should be a strategic priority across all aspects of higher education. However, there is limited evidence on which aspects of university life institutions should target to maximise well-being. Aim To identify factors associated with student mental health and well-being and provide an evidence base for developing initiatives that protect and promote this. Methods The Nurture-U survey was conducted across five universities in the UK from 2022 to 2024. This cross-sectional sample of the survey data assessed student well-being and mental health at the start of the academic year. Hierarchical linear regression models examined the relative association between demographic, family history, university and lifestyle variables and self-reported depression, measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), anxiety, measured using the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and well-being, measured using the Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (SWEMWBS). Results A total of 14 172 students completed the survey. Over a quarter self-reported probable anxiety or depression based on established screening thresholds. Regression analysis indicated that younger age, identifying as female or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex or asexual (LGBTQIA+) and reporting a disability were associated with poorer mental health. There was minimal evidence of mental health impact associated with university factors, such as course of study or university attended. There was a strong association with exercise and self-care. Conclusions We have provided evidence that exercise and self-care may be areas that universities can target when considering a whole-university approach to student mental health and well-being. Increasing opportunities for students from all backgrounds, means and abilities to adopt healthy behaviours is vital to supporting university students.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	In Press
Schools:	Schools > Medicine
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
ISSN:	0007-1250
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	8 October 2026
Date of Acceptance:	1 August 2026
Last Modified:	08 Oct 2026 15:00
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/190098

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