Sharper minds: Feasibility and effectiveness of a mental health promotion package for university students targeting multiple health and self-care behaviours

Abstract

Objective: This study assessed the feasibility and effectiveness of the Sharper Minds package, a mental health intervention designed for university students, co-developed with student input. The program included a weekly self-monitoring e-tool and/or a short course targeting six self-care areas: physical activity, diet, sleep, music to aid study, mood regulation, and social connection.

Method: A non-randomised controlled trial involved 433 undergraduate students in three conditions: control, one-intervention (either e-tool or course), and two-intervention (both e-tool and course). Data were collected at baseline and after six weeks. Feasibility was measured by reach, retention, and acceptability, while primary outcomes focused on mental health indicators such as depression and anxiety, and secondary outcomes were somatic symptoms, wellbeing and academic motivation.

Results: Results indicated good retention (72 %) and positive feedback on acceptability. Students receiving both interventions (two-intervention condition) showed a 17.6 % reduction in the proportion screening positive for mental health issues, a change not seen in other conditions. A MANCOVA analysis identified a significant interaction between condition and time across combined outcomes (depression, anxiety, somatic symptoms, wellbeing, and motivation), with a small effect size.

Conclusions: This is the first mental health promotion package for Australian university students addressing multiple health and self-care behaviours. Findings indicate students found the package components acceptable and experienced positive effects on mental health.

Anz clinical trial registration: Retrospectively registered 1/09/2023, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=386141&isReview=true.

Keywords: Mental health prevention; Self-care; University students; Wellbeing.