Associations of war-related displacement and reintegration with mental health and academic experiences among university students in Lebanon: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background The escalation of war in Lebanon has severely impacted many aspects of daily life, with university students particularly affected in terms of their mental health and academic experiences. This study aimed to examine the effects of the war, with a focus on displacement and reintegration, on students’ mental health and academic outcomes, using the American University of Beirut (AUB) as a case study. Methods Data was collected from AUB students using a cross-sectional, self-administered online survey between June and October 2025. Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress were evaluated using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), respectively. All these tools are validated and widely used. Academic performance was measured using students’ grade point average (GPA). Information about students’ experiences during the war, and during reintegration for those who were displaced was also collected. Results A total of 266 students participated in the study, of whom 222 were included in the final analysis. Results revealed alarming levels of mental health issues during the war, with students reporting moderate levels of depression, anxiety, and perceived stress. Displaced students also had lower GPAs than their non-displaced counterparts. Although displaced students reported lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress seven months after the war, they continued to experience several reintegration challenges, including difficulties concentrating on their studies and a lack of a stable living environment, while some reported having lost their homes. Regression analyses showed significant associations between displacement and mental health outcomes, with displaced students reporting higher levels of depression (B = 2.901; p = 0.001), anxiety (B = 2.749; p < 0.001), and perceived stress (B = 2.490; p = 0.003). Gender and monthly household income were also significantly associated with mental health scores, with female students reporting higher scores and students from higher-income households reporting lower scores. Conclusions The findings reveal widespread student displacement, negatively impacting both education and overall well-being. This research offers a critical evidence base, emphasizing students’ urgent needs and establishing a foundation for further investigation and the development of effective support strategies in higher education during times of crises.