Mental Health of First Year Health Science Students in Huachiew Chalermprakiet University

Abstract

            The objectives of this research were to explore the mental health and factors influencing mental health. The research included 301 first year health science students at Huachiew Chalermprakiet University in the first semester during the academic year 2008. The samples were selected by random sampling out of class sections. The instrument was standardized GHQ-28 (General health questionnaire-28). Data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics and chi square. The results indicated that most of the first year health science students (57.5%) had good mental health. Some (42.5%) of them had mental health problems. Medical technology students had the most mental health problems (56.0%). There were significant relationships between the academic achievement and financial problems resulting in mental health complicatioons at the 0.05 level of significance. Most students (60.1%) tended to consult with their parents in case of problems related to mental health.

Key words: mental health, health science students