ABSTRACT
Background. Students are also considered particularly vulnerable to mental stress and illness during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.Objectives. In the present study, a quantitative inventory of the mental health of students at the University of Applied Sciences ("Hochschule fur Gesundheit Bochum") was conducted. In addition, their subjective experience of online classes in the winter semester 2020/2021 was surveyed in the course of a qualitative study.Methods. Within the framework of an online survey, well-being (WHO-5) and possible presence of depressive disorders (PHQ-9) of 435 students at the "Hochschule fur Gesundheit Bochum" (Germany) were surveyed in March 2021 using validated instruments. Furthermore, students of the university were interviewed about their experiences with online courses.Results and conclusion. Compared to the general population, the well-being of the respondents was below average and an above average percentage of respondents (26.9%) had a reasonable suspicion of depression. The results from the qualitative research showed a predominantly negative assessment of the students' experience with regard to online courses. In particular, a lack of social contacts and difficulties in the digital implementation of courses gave rise to this impression. Above all, the data pointed out the considerable importance of universities and studying with regard to the mental health of students. Thus, there is a need for action, especially in terms of understanding oneself as an important actor with regard to triggering students' mental stress, on the one hand, and as a place for health-promoting interventions, on the other. Consideration of both perspectives offers various starting points for health promotion and health management in universities.
ABSTRACT
Background Municipal health promotion provides the opportunity to promote health equity and to design health-promoting living environments by developing individual strategies. The Place Standard tool is a participatory instrument to identify needs by asking citizens to evaluate their living environment. It is increasingly being implemented and recommended on an international level. The aim of the study was to identify the potential of the Place Standard tool for the development of strategies in a municipal context as well as to identify facilitators and barriers when designing these. Methods Within a qualitative study design, nine guided interviews were conducted with international experts who have applied the tool at a municipal level in Europe. The interviews were recorded, subsequently transcribed and analysed using MAXQDA software. The analysis was based on a qualitative content analysis according to Mayring, using a deductively developed category system. Results A total of 355 statements were analysed. Some refer to the fact that a comprehensive needs analysis is enabled by the Place Standard tool, empowerment can be promoted and that the development of strategies can only be carried out with follow-up work. Furthermore, some facilitating factors, e.g. participation and intersectoral cooperation, were described. Mentioned inhibiting factors are e.g. lack of support from political decision-makers and the Covid 19 pandemic. Conclusions The results of the research indicate that the Place Standard tool can be used to identify priorities for action regarding the needs of the population at a municipal level. They show that a successful strategy development for municipal health promotion strongly relies on the application of the tool in an overall process. Key messages The Place Standard tool can be used to analyse needs at a municipal level. In order to develop sustainable strategies for municipal health promotion, it should be applied in an integrated process.