The integration of mental health into higher education quality assurance systems: analysis of CNAQ standards in Mozambique

Abstract

The growing incidence of mental health problems among university students has been attracting international attention, due to its impact on academic performance, retention, and success in higher education. However, this topic remains underexplored in quality assurance systems, particularly in the Mozambican context. This article analyzes the integration of mental health as a dimension, standard, or indicator of higher education quality in Mozambique. A qualitative, exploratory-descriptive approach was adopted, based on a literature review and documentary analysis of the quality assessment frameworks of the National Council for the Evaluation of Higher Education Quality (CNAQ), focusing on Dimension 5 – Student Body. The results show that the CNAQ frameworks include indicators related to student support, retention, and student participation, but they don't include explicit indicators about mental health or psychological well-being. It is concluded that integrating this dimension could strengthen quality assurance systems, contributing to better student experience, academic success, and student retention. The study suggests including specific mental health promotion indicators in higher education quality evaluation processes in Mozambique