Mental health challenges are prevalent among university students. Recognizing the need for early intervention, the Finnish Student Health Service (FSHS) has implemented a two-phase student health screening, leveraging Medixine’s remote care platform. Recent research underscores the effectiveness of this digital screening in improving access to mental health services and identifying key risk factors.
Finnish Student Health Service provides a two-phase health screening for all first-year students to address mental health challenges. The initial phase involves an electronic health questionnaire, known as Sätky, distributed through Medixine’s remote care platform. Based on the responses, students are either invited for personal health consultation, directed to other services, or informed that no further action is necessary.
A recent cohort study followed 15,722 students who began their studies in the 2011–2012 academic year, tracking them over six years. The research utilized data from national health and education registers. Results of the study revealed that 13.9% of students received a mental health diagnosis (MTD) during the follow-up period.
Key findings included:
- Participation in Sätky: 42.6% of respondents were invited to a health consultation. Women who completed the questionnaire were 21% more likely to receive an MTD than non-respondents.
- Health Consultations: Students who were either invited or attended consultations had a significantly higher likelihood of receiving an MTD than those not invited.
- Psychosocial Risk Factors: The strongest correlation with MTDs was observed in students who reported low scores in psychosocial well-being, covering mood, loneliness, parental relationships, and social situations. Notably, men with low psychosocial scores had a nearly tenfold increased likelihood of receiving an MTD.
This research highlights the crucial role of digital health tools in identifying mental health risks early, enabling timely intervention. Medixine’s platform facilitates this proactive approach, supporting students accessing mental health services when needed. The findings reinforce the value of integrated digital solutions in university healthcare settings, fostering better student well-being and academic success.
Interested in learning more about how Medixine’s remote care solutions can enhance mental health support? Contact us today.