Clinically Significant Psychological Distress Is Associated With the Need for Kela’s Rehabilitation Services Supporting the Ability to Study in Higher Education Students

Abstract

Background. Kela’s rehabilitation services for students can support their ability to study and finish their education. Psychological distress refers to non-specific symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, and it is common among higher education students. Prolonged mental health symptoms weaken ability to study and may lead to mental disorders. We examined the association of clinically significant psychological distress with the perceived need for Kela’s rehabilitation services in higher education students.

Methods. The study is based on data of the higher education students aged 18–34 (n = 6 258) in the National Finnish Student Health and Wellbeing Survey (KOTT 2021). Clinically significant psychological distress was assessed using the Mental Health Index (MHI-5, with cut-off value <=52). Logistic regression analyses were applied to test the associations.

Results. The present study showed strong association between clinically significant psychological distress and the need for the Kela’s rehabilitation services for students. Also, longstanding illness, use of cannabis and other drugs, feeling tired during the day, learning difficulties, income difficulties and loneliness were associated with the need for the rehabilitation services.  Higher education students with clinically significant psychological burden were 5-times more likely to report need for rehabilitation services. The association remained significant after the simultaneous adjustments for above-mentioned factors related to health, lifestyle, learning difficulties, income and social relations.

Conclusions. Early recognition of clinically significant psychological distress in student health services is important. Guidance to the rehabilitation services supporting higher education students’ ability to study should be enhanced.

Full text in Finnish (journal.fi)

Authors

Karoliina Koskenvuo, Jonna Ikonen, Suvi Parikka

Additional Information

• Peer-Reviewed: yes.
• Open Access: no.
• Cite as: Koskenvuo, K., Ikonen, J., & Parikka, S. (2024). Kliinisesti merkittävä psyykkinen kuormittuneisuus on yhteydessä opiskelukykyä tukevien Kelan kuntoutuspalvelujen tarpeeseen korkeakouluopiskelijoilla. Kuntoutus, 47(4), 6−16. https://doi.org/10.37451/kuntoutus.154786