Author(s)

Syeda Fatema Alam

Affiliations

Asian University for Women

Introduction

University students—particularly those from post-conflict and low-resource settings—often experience overlapping challenges of mental distress and poor physical health. Trauma, displacement, academic stress, and lifestyle disruptions contribute to sleep problems, inactivity, unhealthy nutrition, and increased vulnerability to both mental and physical illness. There is a need for a holistic, campus-based approach that addresses these interconnected risks.
To implement and evaluate a comprehensive wellness model that integrates mental and physical health support in a university setting.

Method

Using an implementation-science framework, the program combined:

1. Routine health screening during wellness visits (blood pressure, BMI, sleep, substance use, activity, nutrition risk).

2. Brief lifestyle interventions including motivational interviewing, “movement snacks,” sleep hygiene guidance, and nutrition counselling.

3. Structured body-based practices such as guided body movement sessions, weekly yoga, and meditation classes to promote relaxation, resilience, and physical well-being.

4. Warm referrals to primary and specialty care for at-risk students.

5. Peer involvement & lived-experience leadership in co-designing culturally relevant and trauma-informed activities.

6. Health-promoting campus environment including smoke-free policies, safe physical activity spaces, and group-based wellness events.

Results & findings

The model demonstrated high feasibility (screenings integrated into routine visits), strong reach (engagement across local and refugee student populations), and positive acceptability (favorable student and staff feedback). Early findings show:

• Increased physical activity and improved sleep hygiene.
• High uptake of yoga and meditation sessions, with reported improvements in stress regulation.

Early reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms alongside improved referral follow-through.

Discussion

This low-cost, scalable approach shows promise for bridging mental–physical health gaps in young women, particularly those from conflict-affected and marginalized backgrounds. By combining screening, counselling, movement-based practices, and environmental supports, universities can foster a healthier, more resilient student population and offer a replicable model for similar low- and middle-income contexts.