Understanding Student Health Needs at a Multidisciplinary University in XXX: A Three-Year Retrospective Analysis of Health Service Utilization
Charles CAUand and Louis JABOURECK
University students face substantial physical and mental health challenges linked to academic pressure, lifestyle changes, and communal living. These factors create diverse needs requiring timely preventive and curative care. Data from multidisciplinary universities in XXX remain limited. Understanding utilization patterns within structured student health services offering integrated care is essential for developing effective, student-centered systems.To examine three-year trends in Student Health Services (SHS) utilization at XXX University and identify priority areas for targeted interventions, preventive strategies, and resource planning to better meet students’ diverse health needs.A retrospective analysis of SHS records from January 2023 to November 2025 was conducted. Extracted data included visit volume, presenting symptoms, diagnoses, referrals, urgent care and Emergency Room (ER) utilization, and inpatient admissions. Analyses were stratified by academic program and year of study.A total of 19,115 student visits were recorded over three years (2023: 5,769; 2024: 7,410; 2025: 5,936). School of Nursing and Midwifery (SONAM) and Medical College students accounted for the majority of visits (45.4% and 44.6%), while Institute of educational development (IED) and Faculty of Arts & Sciences (FAS) contributed 2.4% and 7.4%, respectively. The most common concerns were upper respiratory infections, skin conditions, musculoskeletal issues, gastrointestinal complaints, and gynecological problems. Urgent care and ER visits totaled 1,869, largely from SONAM (42.6%) and MBBS (40%) students, with fever, respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, musculoskeletal pain, and headaches being the main reasons. There were 178 inpatient admissions or day-care procedures, and many students required counseling or psychiatric referrals, reflecting a rising mental health burden.The findings show varied healthcare utilization across programs, with high demand among nursing and medical students. Frequent infectious, musculoskeletal, and gynecological issues highlight physical health needs, while numerous mental health referrals indicate emotional and psychological pressures. These patterns underscore the need for preventive care, early identification of at-risk students, and better integration of physical and mental health services.This three-year analysis highlights substantial and diverse health service use at XXX University, underscoring the need for robust, student-centered health systems. These findings can inform policy, optimize resource allocation, and support targeted interventions that strengthen student well-being and resilience.
