Mental health conditions and the need for mental health services of students in Thai higher education institutions

Abstract

The research objective is to study the mental health status and the level of mental health service needs among students in Thai higher education institutions. It also aims to examine the factors related to mental health status and the demand for mental health services among students in Thai higher education institutions. The study population consists of students in higher education institutions, totaling 385 individuals. It is a quantitative research study. The results show that the majority of students in higher education institutions have good mental health status with few symptoms. In terms of the demand for mental health services, promotion and prevention of mental health issues within educational institutions are facilitated through telephone counseling services. Moreover, treatment and mental health recovery services within educational institutions provide guidance, advice, treatment methods, and health care for students. Overall, the mental health status of students is generally positive, with symptom groups including physical symptoms, anxiety and insomnia symptoms, and social dysfunction symptoms. These symptom groups are statistically significant in relation to the demand for mental health services, treatment, and mental health recovery services within educational institutions. Additionally, the group experiencing anxiety and insomnia symptoms correlates significantly with satisfaction with learning. Therefore, the government should establish significant policies for both state and private higher education institutions, implementing effective measures to address the care of student groups at risk and provide methods for treatment and recovery to enhance student resilience. This will lead to clear guidelines in both state and private higher education institutions.