Mental health promotion policy and stress among high school students of a university’s demonstration school in northern Thailand

Abstract

This research is a cross-sectional survey research. with objectives to study factors related to stress and stress level, among high school students of a university’s demonstration school, in northern Thailand, 2019 academic year.  A sample of 200 students were selected by stratified random sampling, using questionnaires to collect data, and statistical analysis by using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Pearson Chi-Square and Fisher’s Exact test.

            Results indicated that majority of the students were female (65%), between 16-17 years old (63.5%), at the level of Mattayomsuksa 4 and 6 (34%).  Majority were science and math major (66.5%), with overall grades at a good level (86%), average monthly income of 1,500-5,000 baht (94.5%), with 14% had personal illnesses.  Internal stress factors were from individual educational performance, and personal overall grade at a moderate level, (71.5% and 55.5% respectively).  External factors were financial matter (63%), friends (61.5%), family (58.5%), teachers and school’s atmosphere (63%), community (68.5%) and environment (57.5%).  Societal factors were at a moderate level (55%). Correlations analysis indicated that class level, personal stress factors, social, friends, family, teachers and school, community and environment, events or changes in daily life, correlated with statistical significance (p-value 0.05, p-value 0.0001 respectively).

            Conclusion, majority of students had a high level of stress, according to educational level, causing by internal and external factors.  Therefore, schools should adopt good mental health promotion policies, for students’ good mental health and happiness.