First-year domestic and international university students’ knowledge and use of mental health services and self-care practices in Australia
Creators: name: Han, Rong
name: Walter, Zoe C.
name: Maccallum, Fiona
name: Dingle, Genevieve A.
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2024
Subjects: subject: Medicine
subject: Sociology
subject: FOS: Sociology
subject: Science Policy
subject: Mental Health

description: Transitioning to university brings challenges and stress that could be mitigated through self-care practices and knowledge and use of mental health services. This study examined these variables in first-year students at an Australian university, exploring any differences between international and domestic students and whether demographic variables and psychological distress influence knowledge and use of mental health services and self-care practices. Participants were 821 first-year students (77.6% female, 25.2% international, M<sub>age</sub> = 20.7, SD<sub>age</sub> = 5.54 years). Measures included the Mental Health Literacy Scale, purpose-written questions about awareness, confidence, and engagement with mental health services, self-care knowledge and use, and PsyCheck. T-tests examined differences between domestic and international students. Hierarchical regression analysis assessed relationships between demographic factors, psychological distress, and mental health-related variables. Compared with international students, domestic students had greater awareness, confidence, and engagement in mental health services, and better self-care knowledge. Demographic variables were associated with mental health outcomes, with limited model strength. Psychological distress was associated with less knowledge and confidence in accessing mental health services yet higher engagement with services, and lower self-care knowledge and use. The findings underscore the need for targeted mental health resources, particularly for international students and those experiencing higher psychological distress. <b>What is already known about this topic:</b> (1) Mental health issues are widespread among university students, but students often display limited knowledge of where to seek help, low engagement in help-seeking, and self-care. (2) Demographic factors such as age and gender, and barriers such as stigma and embarrassment, are associated with general mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviours among university students. (3) International students often show lower levels of awareness and engagement in seeking mental health support than domestic students. <b>What this topic adds:</b> (1) This topic provides up-to-date insights on the state of knowledge and use of mental health services, as well as self-care practices among first-year university students. (2) The study found that domestic students exhibited greater awareness, confidence, and engagement in mental health services, and better self-care knowledge than international students. (3) The study found that first-year students with higher levels of psychological distress had lower knowledge and confidence in accessing mental health services, more engagement with these services, and poorer self-care practices.