Journal of Psychiatry and Psychological Sciences

ABSTRACT

Background

Mental health disorders among university students represent a growing global concern, with significant impacts on academic performance, social functioning, and overall well-being. Despite their high prevalence, help-seeking behaviors remain limited, often constrained by stigma, poor mental health literacy, and barriers to access. Scholars emphasize that nurses, as frontline healthcare providers in university settings, hold a strategic role in mental health promotion, early identification, psychosocial support, and care coordination.

Objective

This systematic review synthesizes evidence to address two guiding questions: (1) the strategic roles nurses occupy in university mental health systems, and (2) the effectiveness of nurse-led interventions in promoting student well-being.

Methods

Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2026. Eligible studies examined nurse-led interventions in university populations using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods designs. Data extraction and synthesis identified key nursing roles, reported outcomes, and methodological strengths and limitations.

Results

The included studies, spanning diverse geographical regions and predominantly undergraduate populations, consistently highlighted nurses’ involvement in early assessment, health education, psychosocial support, referral coordination, and preventive programs such as resilience-building and stress management. Evidence demonstrated that nurse-led initiatives reduce stigma, enhance help-seeking behaviors, and improve emotional well-being. Multidisciplinary collaboration and continuity of care emerged as critical components of successful interventions, with nurses acting as intermediaries between students, academic staff, and mental health specialists.

Conclusions

Nurses occupy a central and multifaceted role in university mental health systems, contributing to early detection, health promotion, psychosocial support, and holistic care. Embedding nurse-led strategies within campus health services, supported by institutional policies and interdisciplinary collaboration, fosters a proactive mental health culture and improves student outcomes. Future research should emphasize innovative digital approaches, culturally tailored interventions, and long-term evaluations to further strengthen nurse-led initiatives in higher education.

Keywords: Mental Health; University Students; Nursing Roles; Mental Health Promotion; Prevention; Psychosocial Support; Systematic Review