JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Health promoting universities are committed to promoting learning environments and organizational cultures that support the physical and mental well-being of students, faculty, and staff. Students comprise the largest single group within the university community, and therefore, any policy intervention on the students is likely to significantly impact the university as a whole.

Objective:

This study aims to assess Qatar University (QU) students' health status and needs using a comprehensive and holistic definition of health driven by the perspectives of students, faculty members, and key informants. The ultimate goal is to inform evidence-based policies and services to improve students' physical and mental health.

Methods:

An explanatory sequential mixed-methods research design will be employed to comprehensively assess the students’ health status and needs. This assessment comprises a quantitative assessment (web-based health survey) in a convenient sample of students and a qualitative assessment through focus groups with students and faculty members and interviews with key informants. Priority health issues and their determinants identified based on the quantitative assessment will inform and guide the qualitative assessment to enable a better understanding of the different contexts and ecologies shaping them. Descriptive (proportions or means (SD), comparative (e.g., T-test or Chi-squared tests) and/or association analyses (e.g., linear, logistic or Poisson regression models) will be used to analyze the quantitative data. Thematic analyses will be employed in the qualitative assessments. We will also conduct an environmental scan to assess relevant facilities, services, and programs on the QU Campus and QU Primary Healthcare Center, as well as review relevant university policies and regulations that may affect the health and wellbeing of students. Together, the needs assessment and the environmental scan will inform the design of multilevel interventions, including health education and promotion programs, orienting health services, and proposing policy changes.

Results:

A total of 812 students completed the web-based health survey between March - December 2022. Data have been extracted, cleaned and harmonized, and analyses of the extent of selection bias and calculation of weights to account for this in all subsequent analyses have been completed (by December 2023). After completing all quantitative data analyses (expected by the end of 2024), focus groups, interviews, and the environmental scan will start in January - December 2025.

Conclusions:

This project will enable us to identify and prioritize QU students’ health needs and their determinants and inform relevant services and policies targeting these. Using comprehensive and context-appropriate methods this project will contribute to QU's strategic efforts as a Health Promoting University.