Results of two 2022 student health and wellness surveys are being shared with the campus community to raise awareness and encourage university-wide action to advance student wellbeing.

Last winter, the university surveyed all Queen’s students to get another comprehensive picture of student health and wellbeing. Queen’s General Research Ethics Board (GREB) approval was received for each survey, and participation was voluntary and confidential.

The entire student population was randomly invited to complete one of three surveys:

• National College Health Assessment (NCHA) - a US-based tool previously implemented at Queen’s in 2013, 2016, and 2019.
• Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey (CCWS) - a new made-in-Canada instrument
• Canadian Postsecondary Education Alcohol and Drug Use Survey (CPADS) - a Health Canada survey focused on substance use. Queen’s has not yet received results of the CPADS survey.

Results of the NCHA and CCWS surveys have been analysed and organized by the following themes:

• Overall health
• Physical health
• Food security
• Mental health
• Substance use health
• Social health, including belonging, respect and safety
• Awareness and use of health services

Statistically significant and meaningful differences in responses among student sub-groups, including students who identify as LGBTQ2S+, students who identify as racialized, students with disabilities, first-generation students, and others, are noted.

The pandemic, and more specifically COVID-19 restrictions that impacted the university experience, were challenging for student mental health. At the time the surveys were conducted, students were attending classes remotely. Several other Canadian post-secondary institutions also implemented the surveys on their campuses, and the results show how Queen’s compares to the Canada-wide results. Queen’s 2022 results compared to previous years, are noted for some health topics.

The survey data are being used to help:

• Identify the most common health-related issues affecting students’ academic performance and wellbeing
• Identify sub-groups of students experiencing particular challenges and requiring specific supports
• Identify areas of strength within the campus community
• Engage students, staff, and faculty to help improve a campus-wide culture of wellbeing in all aspects of the student experience.

The university’s Student Mental Health Collective, an ongoing initiative of the Campus Wellness Project, will discuss the results and provide input into further actions the university can take to promote student wellbeing. The campus community is encouraged to review the results and initiate further actions that support wellbeing and the student experience.

Read the results

Questions about the surveys and results, or requests for a presentation on the results, can be directed to the Campus Wellness Project (email: campuswellness@queensu.ca).