Influence of Demographic Factors on Mental Health among College Students

Abstract

Background: Demographic factors often influence the rise in mental health issues among college students globally. Understanding these factors is essential for designing early, targeted interventions and strengthening mental health services in academic settings. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the influence of age, gender, faculty, family income, physical health problems, and psychological trauma on the mental health of college students. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used with a total of 557 Indonesian university students as participants. Data were collected using a questionnaire and the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20). Data were analyzed using Spearman’s Rho, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests, followed by multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: Statistical analyses revealed significant associations between mental health status and variables including age, gender, family income, physical health problems, and psychological trauma (p < 0.05), while the faculty variable showed no significant correlation. Psychological trauma emerged as the strongest independent predictor, with students who had experienced psychological trauma being more than nine times more likely to experience mental health problems. Conclusion: Trauma-informed and demographically sensitive mental health support is crucial, especially for students who are identified as vulnerable. These insights may inform mental health nursing assessments and targeted interventions in academic settings.