Interprofessional Student Researchers Continue Investigation of Student Wellness

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the well-being of health professionals and health professions students has become more of a priority with the recognition that many healthcare professionals report burn-out. The UIC HOLISTIC Cohort Study engages a diverse group of faculty and students from across the UIC’s seven health sciences colleges to better understand how students are persevering through the demands of their challenging degree programs.

The HOLISTIC survey, now entering the third year of data collection, uses an anonymous questionnaire on health and health behaviors ranging in topics from vaccine hesitancy to diet. Initial results indicate, for example, that 27% of health professions students report mental health struggles for half or more of the month prior to taking the survey. The overall goal of the interprofessional HOLISTIC team is to improve understanding of the health and health behaviors of students and to use that information to make a positive impact within student support across the health science colleges. For more information about HOLISTIC and additional findings please visit the HOLISTIC Cohort Study page on the website for the UIC Office of the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs.