What are chronic health conditions?
Chronic health conditions (chronic diseases/illnesses) are widely experienced among Canadians, with 45% of individuals diagnosed with at least one major chronic condition* (Statistics Canada, 2023). Atlantic provinces lead in prevalence for one or more chronic health conditions per individual compared to other provinces (Statistics Canada, 2025), due to a combination of lifestyle and demographic factors (O’Neill, 2025). Additionally, despite an increase in unmet health care needs between 2022 to 2023, fewer individuals reported having a regular health care provider (Statistics Canada, 2025).
* The above data from Statistics Canada are based on chronic health conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, stroke, and mood disorders.
Within the context of post-secondary demographics, the data on the prevalence of chronic health conditions is limited and varied. The National College Health Assessment provides data on the prevalence of different chronic health conditions within the Canadian reference group, such as depression (24.6%), irritable bowel syndrome (6.2%), migraines (12.9%), and asthma (15.8%) (American College Health Association, 2022). A New Zealand study that looked at chronic conditions in high school students found the prevalence to be 18% (Denny et al., 2013). A Serbian study estimated 16.5% of university students experienced some sort of chronic health condition, with asthma and chronic bronchitis as the most common types (Gazibara et al., 2017). Asthma was also found to be the most prevalent chronic condition among university students (26%) within a mid-Atlantic US study (Barsell et al., 2018). The Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 54% of adults aged 18-34 experience at least one chronic health condition (Watson et al., 2019).
However, it is important to understand that definitions of chronic health conditions can vary between studies and across different organizations (Bernell & Howard, 2016). The World Health Organization (WHO) states that chronic health conditions are non-communicable, prolonged and slow to progress, stating 4 main types: cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks and strokes), cancers, chronic respiratory diseases (asthma), and chronic obstructed pulmonary disease (Bernell & Howard, 2016; World Health Organization [WHO], 2025). It’s notable that mental health conditions are not specifically named as one of the types despite conditions such as depression and anxiety fitting this definition and affecting a large demographic of people. Additionally, with this definition, conditions such as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) would not be considered a chronic disease as it is communicable.
The criteria this toolkit will use will be similar to the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare (Bernell & Howard, 2016):
- The health condition lasts for a long period of time, potentially leading to other health complications.
- At times, there is an associated functional impairment or disability. (Ex. Functional impairment such as when cells in the body do not respond to insulin as it should normally).
- The cause of the condition is complex and may have multiple factors.
- The development period can be lengthy and initially may not involve symptoms.
With these criteria in mind, we will now go over some characteristics of chronic health conditions and the unique experiences that can impact post-secondary experiences for students.
As we progress through this toolkit, we will discuss the ways students with chronic health conditions may need support. While direct treatment/medical supports are part of that conversation, social and structural supports such as access to treatment, financial feasibility, and stigma all play a role in why students may struggle.
