Mental Health Status, Related Knowledge, and Its Influencing Factors Among First-Year University Students: A Cross-sectional Study in Thailand
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Issued Date
2025-09-30
Resource Type
ISSN
23455756
eISSN
23455764
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105012845692
Journal Title
Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences
Volume
12
Issue
3
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SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Vol.12 No.3 (2025)
Suggested Citation
Benjanirat T., Ounprasertsuk J., Kawe S., Sillabutra J. Mental Health Status, Related Knowledge, and Its Influencing Factors Among First-Year University Students: A Cross-sectional Study in Thailand. Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences Vol.12 No.3 (2025). doi:10.5812/jnms-160956 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/111674
Title
Mental Health Status, Related Knowledge, and Its Influencing Factors Among First-Year University Students: A Cross-sectional Study in Thailand
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Abstract
Background: Mental health plays a vital role in the well-being of university students, particularly first-year students who face academic and social transitions. Understanding mental health status and related knowledge is essential for supporting this population. Objectives: The present study aimed to evaluate the mental health status and mental health knowledge, and to identify the factors that influence mental health among first-year students at a Thai university. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was employed between October 2023 and March 2024, involving all 165 first-year students from seven disciplines within the College of Allied Health Sciences at Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University. A census sampling method was used, as all eligible students who met the inclusion criteria and provided informed consent were included. Data collection was conducted through self-administered questionnaires, which included scales for mental health assessment, knowledge of mental health, and factors affecting mental health. Data were analyzed utilizing both descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Results: Among the participants, 81.2% were female, 59.4% had mental health scores above the standard, while 81.2% demonstrated high levels of mental health knowledge. Key predictors of mental health among first-time university students included factors such as gender, field of study, birth order, and levels of family, educational, and social support, which together accounted for a total variance of 31.5% (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The study highlights the need for targeted mental health support, particularly for female students and those in high-stress academic fields. Strengthening family and institutional support may improve students’ mental health outcomes.