Student Precarity and Psychiatry

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health disorders have increased significantly, particularly among young people. In France, the proportion of young people aged 18 to 25 suffering from depression almost doubled between 2017 and 2021. This phenomenon particularly affects students, who are already identified as being at greater risk of mental health disorders than the general population. Medical students seem to be particularly vulnerable: in 2021, a national study showed very high rates of depression and suicidal thoughts in this population. The main factor associated with depression was the feeling of financial hardship.

Students often face multiple forms of insecurity. Financially, they have limited resources and struggle to cover their basic needs such as housing, food and healthcare. Socially, many experience significant isolation, particularly when they are away from their families or under pressure from their studies. All of this has a significant impact on their mental health. Unfortunately, many students do not seek help due to lack of time, resources, or awareness of support services. The 2021 study showed that only one-third of medical students suffering from depression received appropriate treatment.

The aim of our study is to assess the impact of precariousness on the onset of psychiatric disorders and on the use or non-use of healthcare services.

Our study will involve nearly 45,000 students from PSL and UPC universities. It is based on a longitudinal cohort (via questionnaires) over three years. The aim is to identify precisely the different aspects of student precariousness (housing, transport, isolation, economic difficulties, etc.) and their link with psychological distress. The study will measure the extent of the phenomenon and identify modifiable factors that could be targeted by preventive measures. The results will enable us to better target preventive measures and propose concrete solutions to improve students' well-being and promote their success.