Authors:	Lutz-Kopp, Caroline Luka-Krausgrill, Ursula Honsbrok, Bettina Meinhardt-Injac, Bozana Gropalis, Maria
Title:	Development, implementation and first evaluation of an online portal to promote the mental health of university students (me@JGU)
Online publication date:	12-Nov-2021
Year of first publication:	2021
Language:	english
Abstract:	BACKGROUND: University students encounter various stressors such as exam preparation, workload and economic concerns. Having to deal with a multitude of stressors can lead to mental health problems and have a negative impact on academic outcomes in students attending university. This paper describes the development and usability evaluation of an open and easily accessible online portal (me@JGU) designed to help students build skills they need to cope with common stressors and manage their own mental health. METHODS: We developed a website that addresses the most common stressors among university students and offers strategies for dealing with difficult situations. Initial evaluation results were collected using website statistics and a short anonymous survey regarding the attractiveness and usability of the website. RESULTS: Over an eight-month period, there were 5739 visitors, a total of 16,495 page views and 3748 downloads. The survey results indicate that me@JGU covers relevant topics and that the students like the layout. CONCLUSIONS: Online interventions promoting mental health of university populations are easily accessible and cost effective for large populations. They may prevent study difficulties, inform students about mental health and offer possible solutions. In addition, at-risk students can receive information about other relevant resources, and feel encouraged to access support and treatment.
DDC:	150 Psychologie 150 Psychology
Institution:	Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz
Department:	Präsident FB 02 Sozialwiss., Medien u. Sport
Place:	Mainz
ROR:	https://ror.org/023b0x485
DOI:	http://doi.org/10.25358/openscience-6494
Version:	Published version
Publication type:	Zeitschriftenaufsatz
License:	CC BY
Information on rights of use:	https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Journal:	International journal of environmental research and public health 18 3
Pages or article number:	1179
Publisher:	MDPI AG
Publisher place:	Basel
Issue date:	2021
ISSN:	1660-4601
Publisher URL:	https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18031179
Publisher DOI:	10.3390/ijerph18031179
Appears in collections:	JGU-Publikationen