Increase since the pandemic

One in five students has health problems

One in ten students have a mental illness such as depression or anxiety disorder (symbolic image).(Bild: Andrii Starunskyi- stock.adobe.com)

Students rate their health as worse since the coronavirus pandemic. In the summer semester of 2023, one in five people surveyed (21%) said that their studies were made more difficult by health problems.

Previously, this figure was around twelve percent. In the summer semester of 2023, mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders were cited most frequently. This was followed by chronic somatic impairments such as chronic pain and metabolic disorders. One percent said that his or her studies were made more difficult by respiratory diseases or allergies, while fewer reported impairments in mobility, vision, hearing or speech.

The results of the survey are consistent with findings according to which a quarter of 16 to 29-year-olds rate their own state of health as worse than before the Covid-19 pandemic. The proportion of students with mental illnesses has almost doubled.

Few people are aware of contact points
Counseling and service points have already been set up at many universities. However, according to the survey, this is hardly known: 28% said they were aware of the facilities. This mainly includes students with visual or mobility impairments. Compared to the last student social survey, however, the level of awareness has increased.