Mental health, risk behaviours and access to support services: the experience of postsecondary students from CLOSM in Manitoba and New Brunswick

Young adults in postsecondary education are experiencing a major life transition; many are likely to develop mental health disorders, risky behaviors, and experience academic difficulties. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the difficulties related to the formation of a social network, having a negative impact on their mental health. Young people do not often use professional support services due to a lack of awareness of the availability of services and barriers to access. Through an online survey, this study aims to describe the experience of the undergraduate student population of two Canadian Francophone universities in official language minority communities (OLMCs) (Université de Saint-Boniface and Moncton) with regard to mental health and access to psychosocial support services, substance use, road safety, violence, sexual practices, and addiction to personal electronic devices. The data will be analyzed by age, gender, ethnolinguistic identity profile (first- and second-language Francophones; international Francophones) and site (rural/urban context and Francophone density), as these factors can influence health and well-being. Focus group interviews will be used to disseminate and validate the results of the student survey and to identify the barriers faced by these young people in accessing support services on campus and in the community in the official language of their choice. The data collected will underpin the formulation of recommendations on how to promote their access to available support services. These recommendations will be shared with collaborators and policy makers in order to support the development of these young people, who are essential to maintaining the vitality of OLMCs.