More than 28,000 students from 15 Dutch universities of applied sciences and universities took part in the survey, which was conducted during the third wave of coronavirus infections (March–May 2021). There have been concerns about students’ mental health and substance use for some time. The results confirm these concerns and call for a strong, integrated approach.
Impact of the coronavirus crisis
The coronavirus crisis has contributed to more students experiencing psychological problems such as anxiety and depression. Compared with other research conducted before the coronavirus crisis, the percentage of students with psychological problems is significantly higher in this survey. Figures from the six-weekly coronavirus behavioural study conducted by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), GGD GHOR Netherlands and the municipal health services show that the timing of this study was important. During this period (spring 2021), the lowest level of young adults’ mental health measured so far during the pandemic was recorded. However, concerns about increasing psychological problems among students had already existed for some time. Clearly, coronavirus is not the only cause of these problems, but it may have amplified them. The situation is less clear-cut when it comes to substance use.
Substance use among students remains high despite coronavirus
Alcohol and ecstasy use has been strongly influenced by the coronavirus measures affecting the hospitality and events sectors. Almost half of students who drink alcohol, and one third of ecstasy users, say that they do so less often because of coronavirus. Nevertheless, 13% of students used ecstasy in the past year, and one in six students is a heavy drinker. This means they drink at least four (women) or six (men) glasses of alcohol on one day at least once a week. One third of students occasionally use cannabis. Of these, 28% say they smoke cannabis more often because of the coronavirus crisis. In addition, 40% of students who play games say that they have started gaming more because of the coronavirus crisis and related measures. It is also notable that students who frequently use substances are more likely to have a high student debt.
High levels of loneliness, performance pressure, stress and sleep problems
Student life is a stage of life in which young adults are particularly susceptible to psychological problems. For example, 75% of problems develop before the age of 24. This new study shows that students score below average in terms of life satisfaction and resilience, and that this is associated with the risk of developing psychological problems. A large group of students reported experiencing feelings of loneliness (80%) or performance pressure (76%). A large group also reported experiencing (very) high levels of stress (62%) and sleep problems (41%) in the four weeks preceding the study. The severity of these problems is strongly associated with poorer mental health and a higher risk of psychological problems. Students who feel they have a great deal of social support experience fewer problems.
An integrated approach is needed
Many of the problems experienced by students are normal to some extent, such as feeling out of sorts for a while or temporarily gaming or drinking more. For most students, they do not lead to serious problems, but this does not apply to everyone. By strengthening students’ mental well-being, focusing on prevention, identifying problems at an early stage and providing the right support, future psychological problems and problematic substance use can be prevented or addressed more effectively. This requires an integrated approach involving practice, policy, science and society, together with students.
The study was conducted by the Trimbos Institute, RIVM and GGD GHOR Netherlands. The Ministries of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) and Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) commissioned the study. The study will be repeated in the coming years (once every two years) to monitor developments in students’ mental health and substance use.