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

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 and Tai-Hing Lam
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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

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 19, 1-18

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.

Keywords: mental health; university students; support system; resilience; family functioning; COVID-19; Hong Kong; university support (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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