Extrait

Background and study aims The transition from school to university or from undergraduate to postgraduate study can often worsen mental health problems, or make them more likely to develop, due to the stresses involved. This study is looking at whether a website created for undergraduate students can improve their well-being and reduce the risk of suffering from common mental health problems. The study aims to provide students with helpful information to support them during their first year at university and address factors which have been identified to contribute to the development of mental health problems such as substance or alcohol misuse, depression, eating disorders, and anxiety. Who can participate? Any first year student enrolled at a university in the UK or Austria is eligible to take part in this study. What does the study involve? Students are first assessed on a range of personality and mental health questionnaires. The results from these questionnaires are used to determine whether a students is more or less likely to develop a mental health problem. Students identified as being of high risk are then randomly allocated to one of two groups. Those in group 1 are given access to a website containing helpful information on studying (e.g. money saving tips, how to find accommodation in London, etc). Those in group 2 are given access to a website that has modules that help to improve well-being and reduce the risk of becoming mentally unwell. All participants are asked to fill in the questionnaires again after 3 months, 6 months and then 12 months later. What are the possible benefits and risks of participating? The questionnaires cover a variety of different topics, some of which might be embarrassing or difficult. However, there is no risk anticipated with regard to completing the online modules. Where is the study run from? This study is run by King's College London (lead centre) and the Medical University of Vienna. When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for? September 2015 to August 2018 Who is funding the study? European Commission (Belgium) Who is the main contact? Dr Peter Musiat

Critère d'inclusion

• Depression, anxiety, substance use disorders and eating disorders

Liens

• ictrp
• isrctn