Health Promotion in the University Setting: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Purpose

This scoping review aimed at describing the health promotion initiatives of universities.

Data Source

PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science.

Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Studies were included if they: (a) explicitly referred to higher education or university; (b) focused on improving the health and well-being of the university community; (c) described a specific health promotion intervention or broader university strategies and policies for health promotion without a specific intervention; (d) were available in full text in English or Italian; (e) were published between 01/01/2015 and 02/04/2024.

Data Extraction

The following data were considered: country in which the study was conducted, target population, number of subjects involved, study design, aim of the study, interventions developed, main results.

Data Synthesis

A narrative synthesis was conducted.

Results

Thirty-six studies were included in the final synthesis; they were mostly conducted in Europe (30.6%) and in the Western Pacific Region (25%). Seven studies described multiple interventions as part of the Health Promoting University network. Eleven studies examined health promotion interventions implemented as part of health-promoting strategies defined at the university level. Mental health and psychological well-being represent the most common area of intervention (52.8%).

Conclusion

Although significant progress has been achieved in implementing health-promoting initiatives within universities, challenges remain regarding the full integration of health promotion into the broader university culture.