Mixed methods needs assessment of student health and wellness to inform university health promotion programming at Abu Dhabi University

Universities are increasingly recognized as critical settings for promoting student health and well-being through whole-system, evidence-based approaches. Abu Dhabi University (ADU) initiated a Health and Wellness Initiative; however, a comprehensive needs assessment was required to inform the development of a structured, culturally responsive program. This study aimed to assess students’ health behaviours, perceived stress, wellness priorities, and program preferences, and to integrate quantitative and qualitative findings to guide institutional program development. A convergent mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected via an online survey completed by 188 undergraduate and postgraduate students across ADU campuses, assessing physical activity, perceived stress, satisfaction with campus food options, barriers to healthy behaviours, and preferences for wellness services and delivery formats. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests examined patterns by gender and campus. Qualitative data were gathered through six focus group discussions and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to explore lived experiences, contextual barriers, and student-generated recommendations. Integration occurred at the interpretation stage. Overall, 42.6% of students reported high or very high stress, 29.3% reported low physical activity, and 26.6% were dissatisfied with healthy food options on campus. Students expressed strong interest in stress management, time-management, mindfulness-based activities, and group-based physical activity, with a preference for in-person or hybrid delivery outside academic hours. Qualitative findings revealed that stress was chronic and structurally driven by academic and institutional factors, while engagement in healthy behaviours was constrained by time, fatigue, cost, and campus environments. Students emphasized the need for accessible, low-stigma, integrated wellness programming embedded into campus life. These findings provide a robust empirical foundation for developing a holistic, student-centred Health and Wellness Program and support the advancement of ADU as a health-promoting university.