Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Mental Health among the Students of CSU PIAT

Abstract

This study determined the prevalence and associated risk factors of mental health among the students at Cagayan State University in Piat, Cagayan. It utilized the descriptive-quantitative research design to investigate the profile of the students, their mental health status and the risks associated with it focusing on behavioral, social, mental and emotional factors, using a researcher-made questionnaire that was validate and the General Health Questionnaire – 28 or GHQ-28. The study involved 333 students chosen using stratified random sampling. Data on the respondents’ demographic and socio-economic profile were analyzed through mean, frequency, and percentages. The weighted mean was used to interpret the students’ lifestyle and health-seeking behavior and Likert Scale type scoring based on the scale scoring guidelines was used to interpret the GHQ-28 data. T-test and ANOVA were utilized to determine differences of the mental health status of the students and Pearson-r was utilized to determine relationships among the mental health status and the associated risk factors. The study concludes that the students manifest unusual experiences generally along somatic complaints and social dysfunction. As an effect, they experience associated risks, such as some behavioral, social, mental and emotional risks. Moreover, the students’ mental health varies according to their college, birth order, lifestyle and health-seeking behaviors. Intensified health awareness and guidance programs are necessary to address the findings.