Abstract
Physical inactivity and mental health issues are pressing concerns for university students facing sedentary behaviour, academic pressure, and stress. Peer mentorship has emerged as a promising intervention for fostering healthy behaviours. However, further research is needed on the design and outcomes of peer-led programs that promote physical activity (PA) and mental health.
This review aimed to catalogue and synthesize peer mentorship programs in the published literature that integrate PA for individuals aged 18 and older, with a particular focus on university students. Specifically, the review identified common program structures and reported physical and mental health outcomes.
Following systematic review methods, database searches (Medline, PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus) using keywords (e.g., peer-led, peer mentor, PA) identified 13 eligible articles. Data were extracted on participant characteristics, peer mentor training, PA intervention design, collaborators, and reported physical and mental health outcomes, and then synthesized across studies.
Programs commonly included three key components: 1) structured peer mentor training (n=11), 2) cross-unit institutional collaboration (n=12), and 3) participant-centred approaches (n=10). These important features support program delivery and improvements in PA, as well as participant satisfaction. Among the included studies, five reported statistically significant improvements in PA and/or mental health outcomes (e.g., anxiety, depression). Six studies reported self-reported improvements in PA and well-being (e.g., confidence, mood). Peer-led PA interventions are feasible and demonstrate promising outcomes. However, few studies directly measure the mental health outcomes resulting from peer mentorship programs that promote PA.
