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Higher education institutional student wellness support practices during COVID-19 in developing countries: A scoping review

Author

Listed:
  • LUCKY SIBANDA

    (PhD Candidate, Department of Management and Entrepreneurship University of the Western Cape, Western Cape, South Africa)

  • TICHAONA BUZY MUSIKAVANHU

    (Lecturer, Boston City Campus, Stellenbosch Western Cape, South Africa & Research Associate, Nelson Mandela University, Eastern Cape, South Africa)

  • TENDAI MAKWARA

    (Lecturer, Boston City Campus, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa)

Abstract

COVID-19 forced many higher education institutions (HEIs) into a reactive shift in their teaching and learning modes. Along with such changes, the need to develop and implement appropriate institutional student wellness support practices in developing countries became critical. This study aims to map the higher education institutional student wellness support practices during COVID-19 in developing countries. The study employed a scoping review approach and searched papers from the Web of Science and Scopus databases. Relevant articles were screened and assessed to ensure eligibility, resulting in a sample of 45 papers for analysis. Results reveal HEIs prioritized intellectual wellness support while revealing significant gaps in addressing other critical dimensions of student wellness, including physical, emotional, social, vocational, environmental, financial, and spiritual dimensions. Results call for a more comprehensive approach to student well-being, requiring consideration of diverse Wellness Model dimensions and cross-country collaborations to share best practices in developing countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Lucky Sibanda & Tichaona Buzy Musikavanhu & Tendai Makwara, 2025. "Higher education institutional student wellness support practices during COVID-19 in developing countries: A scoping review," Social Sciences and Education Research Review, Department of Communication, Journalism and Education Sciences, University of Craiova, vol. 12(1), pages 341-353, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:edt:jsserr:v:12:y:2025:i:1:p:341-353
    DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.15804572
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    JEL classification:

    • I2 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education

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