Grant: Project Grant

There is growing recognition that university students aged 18 to 25 should be prioritized for health promotion efforts, as their health is often an overlooked yet critical public health issue. This age group faces a range of stressors, including academic pressures, post-graduation uncertainties, financial concerns, and challenges in personal relationships, all of which contribute to their vulnerability. Racial identity plays a significant role in shaping students' experiences in higher education and can exacerbate challenges to their health. South Asian students are more likely to report poorer health outcomes compared to their white peers in Canada, largely attributed to experiences of discrimination and racism on campuses. Understanding and addressing the health needs and resilience of racially diverse students is crucial to fostering their success and achieving equity in higher education. Despite being one of the largest groups of racialized young adults in Canadian universities, South Asian students remain an understudied population in terms of health and resilience. This student-led, community-based participatory study aims to explore the health experiences of South Asian students at Canadian universities through qualitative methods though the lens of intersectionality. Using in-depth interviews and World Café discussions, the study will capture their perspectives on health and wellness within the academic environment. Thematic analysis will identify key patterns and themes in the data. This groundbreaking, community-driven research emphasizes the urgent need to address the health needs and resilience of South Asian students in Canada. The SAHARA project will offer critical insights into the extent and root causes of health inequities in higher education. Universities must take proactive responsibility in supporting their health and well-being through targeted policies and interventions, ensuring these students thrive both academically and personally.