Introduction: The psychological suffering of young university adults is accentuated worldwide impacted by social determinants of mental health (SDOMH) such as access and quality of education and health. Economic instability, social and community contexts, neighborhoods and housing also impacts on learning and well-being increasing the presence of mental disorders with overcrowding of university support services.
Objectives: Identify the SDOMH in brazilian undergraduate occupational therapy students and analyze the use of meditation as a potential integrative care resource.
Methods: Cross-sectional explanatory sequential mixed study, using SDMH survey (sociodemographic profile, academic activities, mental health, university management and meditation). Screening tool: Self-Report Questionnaire (SRQ-20) for 24 Suseonjae meditation sessions intervention (South Korean method ) and evaluation of biological markers of blood pressure and heart rate.
Results: Among the 34 participants: 100% female; 23.4 years old average; average of 11.5 points on the SRQ-20); 100% felt nervous, tense and worried and 80% reported tiredness without satisfaction in carrying out daily activities; 70% reported that they did not receive a proposal for help from the department and/or the course to deal with mental health issues during the pandemic period. After the meditative intervention: 84% (12 students) reported that meditation helped due to the predictability of weekly care, recovery of self-care habits and organization of the mind; 32% reduction in symptoms; systemic blood pressure before (p=0.0066) after (p=0.0120); diastolic before (p=0.0024) after (p=0.677); heart rate before (p=0.6767) after (p=0.1990) in non-parametric Wilcoxon test.
Conclusion: Mind and body practices can contribute to the well-being of university students as a coping strategy and daily care for prevention and promotion of mental health in vulnerable groups.