WED-031 - Creating Inclusive Mental Health Systems: Addressing the Needs of International Students

Brief Abstract Summary: Discover the unique barriers that impact international students' mental health and help-seeking behaviors, including language challenges, cultural stigmas, academic pressure, and acculturation stress. Learn how gender, academic level, and stress levels significantly affect the use of campus and community mental health services, with female and undergraduate students being more likely to seek help. Gain insight into why male students and those experiencing moderate to high stress may underutilize support despite greater need. Recognize the urgency for culturally responsive, tailored interventions that address these disparities and promote equitable access to mental health services

Detailed abstract description: International students frequently encounter unique challenges that affect their mental health and their willingness to seek support. Language barriers, cultural stigmas, unfamiliarity with the healthcare system, and academic pressures often deter students from accessing necessary mental health services. These students may experience isolation, acculturation stress, and financial difficulties, which contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, cultural differences, including reluctance to discuss personal problems or skepticism about mental health services, further complicate their mental health help-seeking behaviors .This study investigates the utilization of mental health services among international students over the past year, with a focus on gender, academic level, and perceived stress. Female students (73.8%) are significantly more likely than male students (26.2%) to seek mental health services, with an odds ratio indicating that males are 1.8 times more likely not to access these services. Undergraduate students (61.9%) are more likely to seek mental health services compared to graduate students (38.1%), with an odds ratio of 1.227 for graduate students relative to undergraduates. Students reporting moderate to high stress (84.6%) are more likely to utilize mental health services compared to those with low stress (15.4%), with an odds ratio of 2.73 for accessing services with moderate to high-stress levels. No significant gender difference was observed in the use of local community mental health providers (χ² = 1.667, p = 0.197), but there was a notable difference based on academic level. Undergraduate students are less likely to use local community providers compared to graduate students (χ² = 1.816, p = 0.178). Notably, students are more likely to utilize mental health services in their home town if they experience high stress (χ² = 2.362, p = 0.124). These findings highlight the importance of developing tailored mental health interventions that address gender differences, academic pressures, and stress levels among international students. By understanding these factors, educational institutions and mental health professionals can better support international students in navigating their mental health challenges and accessing appropriate services. This presentation will provide attendees with actionable insights into the factors influencing mental health service utilization among international students, fostering a more inclusive and supportive campus environment.