Social support and country-level factors associated with cancer screening participation in 18 European countries: a multilevel analysis of the European Health Interview Survey.

Medical education is widely recognized as a period of intense academic and personal challenges []. Compared with the general student population, medical students face a demanding curriculum, a protracted training cycle, and significant emotional pressures, factors that collectively contribute to high rates of stress, burnout, and mental health issues in this population [,]. Beyond the formal curriculum, students’ overall well-being, sense of belonging, and academic success are profoundly influenced by their learning and living environment []. Factors such as campus facilities and support services are critical components that shape the student experience, potentially mitigating or exacerbating the stresses inherent in medical training. In this context, peer support networks serve as a vital resource, providing academic help, emotional support, and a sense of community that is crucial for navigating the high demands of medical school []. In recent years, the development of digital technology has reshaped how students interact and communicate. Online platforms, such as bulletin board system (BBS) forums and social media, have become central hubs for student exchange []. These digital spaces offer accessible arenas for information seeking, peer support, and informal learning outside the classroom [,]. The importance of these online communities was further amplified during global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which shifted many aspects of student life online and highlighted the critical role of digital platforms in maintaining social connections and disseminating vital information [,]. Previous studies have shown that understanding students’ needs relies on methods such as surveys and focus groups [-]. While valuable, these approaches can be constrained by recall bias and may fail to capture the spontaneous, real-time concerns of students. The rich data available in online forums present an opportunity to overcome these limitations.