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Mental Health, Support System, and Perceived Usefulness of Support in University Students in Hong Kong Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Survey

Author

Listed:
  • Agnes Y. K. Lai

    (School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China)

  • George O. C. Cheung

    (School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China)

  • Asa C. M. Choi

    (School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China)

  • Man-Ping Wang

    (School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China)

  • Polly S. L. Chan

    (School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China)

  • Angie H. Y. Lam

    (School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China)

  • Esther W. S. Lo

    (School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China)

  • Chia-Chin Lin

    (School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China)

  • Tai-Hing Lam

    (School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China)

Abstract

Background: This study explored the association of students’ mental health with their support system, identified the preferred ways and sources of support, investigated the perceived usefulness of available university support, and recommended actionable strategies to enhance students’ mental health. Method: An online questionnaire survey and semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted in 2021. Results: Among 1121 university students, 39.4% reported anxiety symptoms, which were less common in Chinese students and those pursuing medical and health programmes. Overall, 32.6% reported depression symptoms, which were more common in undergraduates. Both anxiety and depression symptoms were less common in students with higher resilience and support system and more common in students with family distress. Students with higher resilience had a better support system and less family distress. Perceived support from universities was lower than from peers and families. Peer support and phone contacts were the most preferred sources and ways of support. The most useful available university support was updated university guidelines, and the least useful was the emotional hotline service from universities The qualitative findings corroborated the quantitative results. Conclusion: We suggested that a holistic care approach and more proactive student-oriented university support would help students face adversity and enhance mental health.

Suggested Citation

  • Agnes Y. K. Lai & George O. C. Cheung & Asa C. M. Choi & Man-Ping Wang & Polly S. L. Chan & Angie H. Y. Lam & Esther W. S. Lo & Chia-Chin Lin & Tai-Hing Lam, 2022. "Mental Health, Support System, and Perceived Usefulness of Support in University Students in Hong Kong Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Method Survey," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-18, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:19:p:12931-:d:937450
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Peter M. Fayers & David J. Hand, 2002. "Causal variables, indicator variables and measurement scales: an example from quality of life," Journal of the Royal Statistical Society Series A, Royal Statistical Society, vol. 165(2), pages 233-253, June.
    3. Yao Sun & Shiang-Yi Lin & Kevin Kien Hoa Chung, 2020. "University Students’ Perceived Peer Support and Experienced Depressive Symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating Role of Emotional Well-Being," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-13, December.
    4. Shirley Man-Man Sit & Ellen Ng & Hilary Pui-Yee Ho & Peony Cheuk-Yeuk Wong & Man-Ping Wang & Sai-Yin Ho & Tai-Hing Lam & Agnes Yuen-Kwan Lai, 2022. "An Exploratory Trial of Brief Mindfulness-Based Zentangle Art Workshops in Family Social Services during COVID-19: Transitioning from Offline to Online," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-17, September.
    5. Cristina Mazza & Eleonora Ricci & Silvia Biondi & Marco Colasanti & Stefano Ferracuti & Christian Napoli & Paolo Roma, 2020. "A Nationwide Survey of Psychological Distress among Italian People during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Immediate Psychological Responses and Associated Factors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-14, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Maria Shuk Yu Hung & Winnie Wing Man Ng & Edward Kwok Yiu Choi, 2022. "The Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Hong Kong Nursing Students’ Mental Health and Quality of Life," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-14, November.

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