Assessment of Mental Health and Stress of Students at Ubon Ratchathani University

Abstract

Introduction: Studying in the University is a transition phase from adolescence into adulthood. Students get anxious as they adjust themselves for academic and social independences at the university. This may lead to stress and mental health problems. The objectives of this study were to assess mental health and stress of students at Ubon Ratchathani University and to investigate what student characteristics are associated with their mental health and stress.  Materials and Method: This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The sample includes all Undergraduate students of Ubon Ratchathani University who are studying during the first semester of year 2013.  Data were collected by online questionnaire.  In order to assess mental health and stress, two questionnaires were used respectively: Thai Mental Health Indicator Version 2007 (TMHI-15) and Department of Mental Health screening test for stress 5 (ST-5). Descriptive statistics and Chi-square were used to analyze data. Results: There were 11,498 students (86.69% of total students) who completed online questionnaires.  The results showed that students with good and fair mental health were 72.40%.  Most students had normal stress level 77.98%.  Mental health and stress were associated significantly with gender, study area, year of study, grades and income (p < 0.05). Most participants reported ways to manage stress include (1) relax themselves by other activities, (2) seeking consultant and (3) exercise (94.03%, 57.92%  and  55.04%  respectively).  Parents and family, friends at the university and from high school were the top three consultants ranked by most respondents. The subjects suggested that the university should provide a pleasant environment for recreation and physical exercise as well as mental health care.  Conclusion: Ubon Ratchathani University students at 2013 had good mental health and do not have any serious stress level. However, University should consider providing mental health care for students with problems as well as developing facilities to promote metal health for all students.