Author(s): GERBER, M., HOCHULI, J., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF BASEL, Country: SWITZERLAND, Abstract-ID: 225

INTRODUCTION:
Mental health is a critical component of life, essential to public health, and recognized as a fundamental human right. Around the globe, mental health issues are alarmingly high among university students. Effective prevention and treatment options are mostly known and available. Yet, most individuals with mental disorders do not receive the care they need, potentially worsening the problem. In this study, we examined whether Swiss first-year university students with distinct lifestyle profiles experience varying mental health problems.
METHODS:
The data come from a larger international study, in which more than 50 universities from over 20 countries are involved (www.unilifem.com). We used a cross-sectional design with self-selection sampling. We examined sociodemographic, lifestyle behavior, and mental health in 352 students (age=20.8±2.56, women: 66.5%) who were enrolled in different disciplines at the University of Basel. We used logistic regression analyses to examine associations between lifestyle behaviors and mental health problems. Additionally, we performed latent profile analysis to identify classes. We used chi-square and multinomial logistic regression analysis, adjusting for covariates, to examine between-class differences.
RESULTS:
A healthier lifestyle score was associated with reduced prevalences rates for different psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, sleep disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), substance use, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. We further observed an inverse relationship between a healthier lifestyle and bipolar disorder. Improved sleep, physical activity, social connections, and lower use of substance use, stress-coping, and screen time were linked to fewer mental health problems. Latent profile analysis identified three distinct lifestyle classes: one healthier and two less healthy (high substance use and isolated). University students who were categorized in the healthiest class exhibited fewer mental disorders. Employment status and BMI category influenced class membership, whereas age and sex did not. Within two classes, female university students were more likely to screen positive for depression, anxiety, sleep disorder, OCD, and suicidal ideation, whereas male university students exhibited higher substance use.
CONCLUSION:
Our findings suggest that healthier lifestyle behaviors are associated with a reduced prevalence of multiple mental health issues. Taking into account knowledge from lifestyle medicine seems essential for the prevention and treatment of mental health issues among university students.