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Background <p>The transition from high school to university is a critical life stage associated with heightened vulnerability to mental health challenges. Despite global recognition, there is limited research on the psychosocial risks faced by first-year university students in Lebanon, a region further burdened by socio-economic and political instability.</p> Objective <p>To assess the mental health status of first-year university students in Lebanon, focusing on the prevalence and intensity of mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and stress during the transitional period.</p> Methods <p>This cross-sectional study involved 1,024 students from multiple Lebanese universities during the 2023-2024 academic year. Data were collected via a self-reported questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), that assesses mental health across four key dimensions: somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and <i>P</i>-values were used to analyze demographic, behavioral, and mental health data.</p> Results <p>A significant gender difference in employment (χ<sup>2</sup> = 18.81, <i>p</i> = 0.00086) was found. The GHQ-28 survey results indicate that 64.3% of university students experience psychological distress, with higher prevalence among females (67.3%) than males (60.8%) (χ<sup>2</sup> = 4.42, <i>p</i> = 0.035). 31.7% reported sleep disturbances, 27.9% felt overwhelmed, and 33.2% experienced hopelessness. 18.8% had thoughts of self-harm, and 3.1% considered ending their life. The GHQ-28 scores indicate a high prevalence of mental health challenges, taking a score of 24 as a cut off score.</p> Conclusions <p>The study highlights the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions for Lebanese university students, addressing both universal and region-specific challenges. The findings emphasize the importance of early intervention, increased access to mental health resources, and promoting systemic changes to improve overall student well-being.</p>

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Mental health status among university students during the transition period from high school to university in Lebanon: a cross-sectional study

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2025年5月19日

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  • Rawad Affan,
  • Khalil Darwich,
  • Georges Jarrouge,
  • Theresia Hannouch,
  • Shafika Assaad

摘要

Background

The transition from high school to university is a critical life stage associated with heightened vulnerability to mental health challenges. Despite global recognition, there is limited research on the psychosocial risks faced by first-year university students in Lebanon, a region further burdened by socio-economic and political instability.

Objective

To assess the mental health status of first-year university students in Lebanon, focusing on the prevalence and intensity of mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, and stress during the transitional period.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involved 1,024 students from multiple Lebanese universities during the 2023-2024 academic year. Data were collected via a self-reported questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), that assesses mental health across four key dimensions: somatic symptoms, anxiety and insomnia, social dysfunction, and severe depression. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and P-values were used to analyze demographic, behavioral, and mental health data.

Results

A significant gender difference in employment (χ2 = 18.81, p = 0.00086) was found. The GHQ-28 survey results indicate that 64.3% of university students experience psychological distress, with higher prevalence among females (67.3%) than males (60.8%) (χ2 = 4.42, p = 0.035). 31.7% reported sleep disturbances, 27.9% felt overwhelmed, and 33.2% experienced hopelessness. 18.8% had thoughts of self-harm, and 3.1% considered ending their life. The GHQ-28 scores indicate a high prevalence of mental health challenges, taking a score of 24 as a cut off score.

Conclusions

The study highlights the urgent need for targeted mental health interventions for Lebanese university students, addressing both universal and region-specific challenges. The findings emphasize the importance of early intervention, increased access to mental health resources, and promoting systemic changes to improve overall student well-being.