Study conditions and exhaustion in German higher education students: results of the StudiBiFra study

BACKGROUND: A body of research indicates that a high proportion of higher education students suffers from poor mental health. Several individual factors have been found to be associated with different aspects of mental health. However, it remains unclear which specific factors in the study environment demonstrate strong links with mental health outcomes. Therefore, this study aims to identify which domains of study conditions show the strongest associations with exhaustion among students. METHODS: The StudiBiFra Study collected data from 20.060 students at 10 German higher education institutions between June 2021 and August 2022. The questionnaire comprised 20 domains of study conditions with 3-8 items in each domain rated on 5-point Likert scales. Exhaustion was measured with 4 items from the Maslach's Burnout Inventory. Scale means and linear regression analyses adjusted for gender and institution were calculated. RESULTS: The highest satisfaction with study conditions was found in the domains of “culture at the university” and “cooperation of students” and the lowest satisfaction in the domains “time requirements” and “examination and academic achievement”. Significant negative associations were found between all 20 domains of satisfaction with study conditions and level of exhaustion. Regression coefficients were highest for time requirements (ß=-0.58, p < 0.001), examination and academic achievement (ß=-0.51, p < 0.001), and fit of course content (ß=-0.41, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In order to address exhaustion and to improve health and well-being of students, curricula and study organisation should reduce student burdens. Support systems for students need to be extended and resources such as social support among students should be strenghened. KEY MESSAGES: • All measured aspects of study conditions had significant impact on exhaustion of students. • Existing burdens for students should be reduced and resources should be strengthened.