Mental health and academic outcomes over the first year at university in international compared to domestic Canadian students

Abstract

Objective

To compare risk factors and associated mental health and academic outcomes between international and domestic students.

Participants

Canadian university undergraduate students.

Methods

Electronic surveys were completed at university entry and the end of first year. Surveys assessed demographics, risk factors, symptoms of mental disorders, and access to support. Academic outcomes were obtained from university databases.

Results

International students had comparable or lower rates of clinically significant anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Domestic female students reported the highest screening rates for common mental disorders. However, international students were more likely to report having attempted suicide. International students felt less connected to the university community and had lower academic performance. Psychosocial risk factor profiles and proportions accessing mental health services were similar.

Conclusions

The scope of mental health need appears more similar than different between international and domestic students; however, international students may benefit from targeted academic and social support initiatives.

Keywords:

• Academic performance
• higher education
• international students
• mental health
• university

Conflicts of interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest to report. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of Canada and received approval from Queen’s University.

Additional information

Funding

The U-Flourish Student Well-Being and Academic Success study was funded by a grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR 157053) with matching funds from the Rossy Family Foundation.