Examining Student Perceptions and Awareness of Social Prescribing in a Canadian University

Introduction: As the social prescribing movement grows in Canada, there is a need to understand whether students (a) are aware of this concept and (b) think it is important. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine student perceptions and awareness of social prescribing in a Canadian university. Methods: This study was conducted at Brock University. Data collection took place between March and June of 2023. Eligibility criteria included (a) being a student at Brock University and (b) being able to read and write English. Participants completed an online survey. Quantitative data analysis consisted of basic mathematical computations. Qualitative data analysis consisted of qualitative content analysis. Results: Most participants (138/183, 75.4%) had never heard about social prescribing before. Once they were told what social prescribing is, the vast majority of participants thought that it seemed like a useful way to support health and well-being (121/126, 96.0%), felt that offering it on campus would be beneficial (129/130, 99.2%), believed that it is relevant to future health care professionals (121/128, 94.5%), thought that it should be part of the curriculum for health sciences programs (118/128, 92.2%), and expressed that they would be willing to follow their physician’s advice if they were to suggest social prescribing at an appointment (119/126, 94.4%). Conclusion/Discussion: Given the lack of awareness about social prescribing and the positive perceptions about this concept among the student body, Canadian post-secondary institutions are encouraged to (a) integrate this concept into the curriculum for health sciences programs and (b) offer social prescribing on campus.