Attitude of university students on psychological help-seeking: A cross-sectional study from Perak, Malaysia

Sanathana  Kumaran; Sharvean Kumar; Maleesha De Zoysa; Yogashri Kumarasamy; Liew Kok Wen; Xin Yi Yek; Yik Hoe Lai

doi:10.5281/zenodo.8189154

Sanathana Kumaran Faculty of Medicine, Quest International University, No. 227, Plaza Teh Teng Seng (Level 2), Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun, 30250 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4632-7689
Sharvean Kumar Faculty of Medicine, Quest International University, No. 227, Plaza Teh Teng Seng (Level 2), Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun, 30250 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
Maleesha De Zoysa Faculty of Medicine, Quest International University, No. 227, Plaza Teh Teng Seng (Level 2), Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun, 30250 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
Yogashri Kumarasamy Faculty of Medicine, Quest International University, No. 227, Plaza Teh Teng Seng (Level 2), Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun, 30250 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
Liew Kok Wen Faculty of Medicine, Quest International University, No. 227, Plaza Teh Teng Seng (Level 2), Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun, 30250 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
Xin Yi Yek Faculty of Medicine, Quest International University, No. 227, Plaza Teh Teng Seng (Level 2), Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun, 30250 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
Yik Hoe Lai Faculty of Medicine, Quest International University, No. 227, Plaza Teh Teng Seng (Level 2), Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun, 30250 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8189154

Keywords: Depression, gender, mental health, stigma, student

Abstract

Introduction:

Students pursuing higher education frequently face psychological and emotional challenges. Anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem are commonly observed. In universities and colleges, students rarely ask for psychological support. This research aims to determine university students' attitudes toward psychological help-seeking to improve their mental health.

Methods:

This cross-sectional descriptive research was conducted at Quest International University, Ipoh, Malaysia. A total of 93 students participated. A validated, structured questionnaire was distributed among the students. SPSS v26 was used for statistical analysis.

Results:

Indians made up the majority of the participants (57.1%), with Chinese (22.1%), others (15.8%), and Malay (4.2%) following. A significant mean difference in attitude (stigma) scores was observed among Indian students (P=0.009) compared to others. The attitude (privacy) score is significantly higher (P=0.025) among Indian ethnicities than among Malay and other ethnicities.

Conclusion:

We conclude that appropriate and effective measures must be taken to protect young minds from major psychological issues. We must urge the pupils to come forward for early detection, fast treatment, early intervention, and recovery from mental health disorders. Special attention to psychological support services for the students and integrating them with academic programmes may improve the number of students asking for psychological help-seeking.

Author Biographies

Sanathana Kumaran, Faculty of Medicine, Quest International University, No. 227, Plaza Teh Teng Seng (Level 2), Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun, 30250 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia

Third year MBBS student

Sharvean Kumar, Faculty of Medicine, Quest International University, No. 227, Plaza Teh Teng Seng (Level 2), Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun, 30250 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia

Third year MBBS student

Maleesha De Zoysa, Faculty of Medicine, Quest International University, No. 227, Plaza Teh Teng Seng (Level 2), Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun, 30250 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia

Third year MBBS student

Yogashri Kumarasamy, Faculty of Medicine, Quest International University, No. 227, Plaza Teh Teng Seng (Level 2), Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun, 30250 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia

Third year MBBS student

Liew Kok Wen, Faculty of Medicine, Quest International University, No. 227, Plaza Teh Teng Seng (Level 2), Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun, 30250 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia

Third year MBBS student

Xin Yi Yek, Faculty of Medicine, Quest International University, No. 227, Plaza Teh Teng Seng (Level 2), Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun, 30250 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia

Third year MBBS student

Yik Hoe Lai, Faculty of Medicine, Quest International University, No. 227, Plaza Teh Teng Seng (Level 2), Jalan Raja Permaisuri Bainun, 30250 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia

Third year MBBS student