JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the mental health of college students worldwide. As colleges shifted to online instruction, students faced disruptions and increased stressors, leading to a decline in mental health that appears to continue post-pandemic. To alleviate the problem, academic institutions have implemented various interventions to address mental health issues, but many focus on a single approach and lack diverse delivery methods. In this viewpoint paper, we introduce the concept of a multi-modal self-care online course, Life101: Mental and Physical Self-Care, and discuss the potential effectiveness of such an intervention in improving students' well-being. The course combines evidence-based interventions and incorporates interactive lectures, workshops, and guest speakers. Pre- and post-course surveys were conducted over a span of four academic terms to evaluate the impact of this course on the wellbeing and self-care practices of students. The survey data suggest positive outcomes in students taking Life101, including the adoption of healthier habits, reduced stress levels, and increased knowledge and practice of self-care techniques. Life101 represents a novel muti-modality intervention to addressing the epidemic of mental health issues faced by students today. By implementing similar evidence-based multi-modal didactic curricula across campuses, academic institutions may be able to better equip students to navigate challenges and promote their overall well-being.