Mental health disorders among university students in Italy: burden and social disparities

University students represent a high-risk population for mental disorders, yet comparable epidemiological data in Italy remain scarse. Within the Health Mode On (HMO) project, the World Mental Health International College Student (WMH-ICS) framework was implemented at the University of Pavia to generate internationally comparable estimates and study social disparities in student mental health. A cross-sectional web-survey was administered to all students at the University of Pavia (Nov.2025), following a pilot phase among doctoral students (August 2025). Mental health outcomes were assessed using validated Composite International Diagnostic Interview-based screening scales. Weighted prevalence estimates (lifetime and 12-month) and 95% confidence intervals were calculated using post-stratification weights (by sex and age). Associations with demographic, academic, socioeconomic and family-related factors were examined using multivariable logistic regression models. A total of 7,414 students participated. Weighted prevalence of any mental disorder was 79.5% (95%CI 78.5–80.5) lifetime and 64.4% (63.2–65.6) in the past 12 months, with high comorbidity (≥2 disorders: 60.4%; 40.4%, respectively). Post-traumatic stress disorder was the most frequent condition (55.5% lifetime; 42.6% past 12 months), followed by anxiety (34.7%; 27.4%), eating (32.9%; 26.3%), mood disorders (25.7%; 19.9%), and the suicidal dimension (34.8%; 17.1%). Median age of onset was 15 years. Strong associations were observed with childhood adversity (aOR 3.61 lifetime; 2.79 past 12 months), discrimination (2.32;1.84), and inadequate financial strain (1.86;1.95), alongside higher odds among females, sexual minorities, and students experiencing academic delay. Mental disorders are highly prevalent, and showed marked social disparities among this large Italian student sample. These findings highlight universities as critical settings for equity-oriented prevention and early intervention.

Key messages

• Mental disorders are highly prevalent among university students, with early onset, comorbidity, and marked social and socioeconomic disparities.

• Universities are critical settings for prevention and should implement equity-oriented, whole-institution strategies to address student mental health needs.