Factors Predicting the Mental Health Problems Among School Aged Children (Grades 4-6) Education Students in Mueang District, Nakhon Sawan Province
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Abstract
Objective: To investigate predictive factors of mental health problems among elementary school students in grades 4-6 in Mueang Nakhon Sawan District, Nakhon Sawan Province.
Materials and methods: A predictive correlational study was conducted among school aged children (grades 4-6) in Muang District, Nakhon Sawan Province, from June to August 2023. The research instruments were general information questionnaires and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-square test, point biserial correlation coefficient, and logistic regression analysis to identify relationships and predict mental health status.
Results: The sample consisted of 258 individuals, with females comprising 57.8%. Approximately 43% had a daily income ranging from 41 to 60 Baht, and 96.5% received financial support from parents or cohabiting individuals. Moreover, 62% lived in families with both parents, and 88.4% reported no learning-related issues. In terms of mental health problems, 51.1% of students experienced anxiety, 32.5% reported stress, and 12.2% indicated symptoms of depression. Predictive factors for anxiety included family status (OR=2.19; 95%CI=1.29, 3.74; p=.00) and learning-related issues (OR=3.07; 95%CI=1.41, 6.68; p=.00). For stress, gender was a significant factor (OR=1.85; 95%CI=1.12, 3.05; p=.01), while income source was identified as a predictor for depression (OR=6.06; 95%CI=1.54, 23.89; p=.01).
Conclusion: Elementary school students in grades 4-6 in Mueang District, Nakhon Sawan Province, predominantly experience mental health issues, namely anxiety, stress, and depression, respectively. Gender is associated with anxiety, while family status and academic problems are related to stress. Additionally, income and academic problems are associated with depression. When analyzing predictive factors, gender was found to be a predictor of anxiety, while family status and academic problems were predictors of stress. The findings of this study provide a foundation for developing programs to appropriately reduce mental health problems among at-risk elementary school students in grades 4-6 based on their specific context
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บทความหลังผ่านการปรับแก้จากกองบรรณาธิการแล้ว เป็นลิขสิทธ์ของวารสารจิตเวชวิทยาสาร โรงพยาบาลสวนปรุง กรมสุขภาพจิต กระทรวงสาธารณสุข ห้ามเผยแพร่เพื่อประโยชน์ทางการค้าโดยไม่ได้รับอนุญาต แต่อนุญาตให้เผยแพร่บทความดังกล่าวเพื่อประโยชน์ทางการศึกษาแก่ประชาชนทั่วไป ทั้งนี้กองบรรณาธิการไม่จำเป็นต้องเห็นด้วยกับบทความหรือข้อคิดเห็นใดๆ ที่ปรากฏในวารสารสวนปรุง
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