Psychological Distress Among High School Students in Northeastern Thailand: A Study from Nakhon Ratchasima
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the prevalence of stress and depression among senior high school students in Nakhon Ratchasima Province and to identify associated individual, social, and economic determinants.
Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 902 students studying in Grades 10–12 at secondary schools in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. Multistage sampling was used to select the participants. A systematic self-administered questionnaire comprising four components was used to collect the following data: demographic information, stress levels, depressive symptoms, and coping strategies. Multivariable logistic regression analysis and descriptive statistics were used to investigate the relationships between independent factors and outcomes related to mental health.
Results: The study results revealed that 20.7% of senior high school students exhibited moderate to severe depressive symptoms, while 78.5% expressed moderate to high levels of stress. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified several significant predictors of stress, including gender, income sufficiency, and emotion-focused coping strategies. The significant factors associated with depression included gender, academic program, religious affiliation, parental status, income sufficiency, stress levels, and family history of depression.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that mental health problems among senior high school students are associated with a range of psychological, familial, social, economic, and academic factors. These results provide epidemiological evidence that may help inform future school-based mental health screening and support strategies for adolescents.
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