The number of reported suicidal cases among students has risen over time. This indicates that Malaysia faces a very critical stage of the mental health issues specifically the teen aged 13–17. Most student suicide attempts are prompted by mental health issues, although many parents are unaware of this. Hence, this research seeks to determine the elements that affect mental health awareness among secondary school students in Malaysia. The variables, namely knowledge of mental health, knowledge of professional help and attitude towards mental health were used to explain awareness of the youth at secondary schools towards the mental health. The study areas were Kuala Lumpur and Melaka. A total of 450 students between 15 and 19 years old were chosen using purposive sampling. The self-administered questionnaires are distributed via google Form to students from the selected 12 secondary. Descriptive analysis and Structural Equation modelling used for data analysis. The results of this study suggested that knowledge of mental health and attitude have a positive influence on mental health awareness. At the same time, understanding professional help does not positively impact mental health awareness. In conclusion, understanding awareness of secondary students towards mental health is essential to assist the Malaysian government in drafting a national strategic action plan on mental health and collaboration action that needs to be taken to mitigate worsening mental health issues among youth in Malaysia.

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Mind Matters: Are the Youth in Malaysia Aware of Their Mental Health?

  • Jia En Lee,
  • Mei Ling Goh,
  • Sook Fern Yeo

摘要

The number of reported suicidal cases among students has risen over time. This indicates that Malaysia faces a very critical stage of the mental health issues specifically the teen aged 13–17. Most student suicide attempts are prompted by mental health issues, although many parents are unaware of this. Hence, this research seeks to determine the elements that affect mental health awareness among secondary school students in Malaysia. The variables, namely knowledge of mental health, knowledge of professional help and attitude towards mental health were used to explain awareness of the youth at secondary schools towards the mental health. The study areas were Kuala Lumpur and Melaka. A total of 450 students between 15 and 19 years old were chosen using purposive sampling. The self-administered questionnaires are distributed via google Form to students from the selected 12 secondary. Descriptive analysis and Structural Equation modelling used for data analysis. The results of this study suggested that knowledge of mental health and attitude have a positive influence on mental health awareness. At the same time, understanding professional help does not positively impact mental health awareness. In conclusion, understanding awareness of secondary students towards mental health is essential to assist the Malaysian government in drafting a national strategic action plan on mental health and collaboration action that needs to be taken to mitigate worsening mental health issues among youth in Malaysia.