Sociodemographic Risk Factors and Mental Health Symptomatology among University Students in Urban Malaysia

Mental health issues have become a growing concern in Malaysia, particularly among university students. This study aimed to screen the mental health status of students at selected private universities in Kuala Lumpur, identify mental health symptoms across four domains: somatic symptoms, anxiety, social dysfunction and depression. Besides that, examine the relationship between sociodemographic factors and mental health status. A survey was conducted among 403 students using cluster sampling, and data were collected through the 28-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). Sociodemographic variables such as gender, age, race, number of siblings, family income, living area, body mass index (BMI), and cumulative grade point average (CGPA) were assessed for their potential influence on mental health. The data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. The findings revealed that students exhibited mild symptoms of mental distress across the four domains: 48.4% reported somatic symptoms, 41.9% reported anxiety, 57.3% experienced social dysfunction, and 50.6% experienced depression. A significant association was found between low family income and the presence of social dysfunction and depression, particularly among students aged 24 and above. However, no significant relationships were identified between somatic symptoms, anxiety, or social dysfunction and other variables such as gender, living area, BMI, and CGPA. In conclusion, students at selected private universities in Kuala Lumpur showed signs of mild mental health issues, with low family income and older age emerging as key risk factors. These findings highlight the need for preventive measures and mental health interventions to address the increasing prevalence of psychological distress among university students.