Stress Factors and Their Association with Mental Health Problems Among Public Health Students in Makassar: A Cross-Sectional Path Analysis Study

  • Shanti Riskiyani Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Hasanuddin, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
  • Ani Asram Faculty of Sports and Health Sciences, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
  • Rizky Chaeraty Syam Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Hasanuddin, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
  • Masriadi Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Hasanuddin, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
  • A. Febriani Tenri Sa'nna Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Hasanuddin, Sulawesi Selatan, Indonesia
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56338/mppki.v9i7.8964
Keywords: Mental Health, Student Stress, Family Support, Path Analysis

Abstract

Introduction: Student mental health remains a major concern in higher education, particularly among final-year students who face increasing academic and personal pressures. This study aimed to examine the role of stress as a mediator between personal and family factors and mental health among public health students in Makassar.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 279 final-year students. Data were analyzed using path analysis to evaluate direct and indirect relationships among variables.

Results: The findings indicate that personal factors significantly increased stress across all educational levels, while family factors were significant primarily among undergraduate students. Stress demonstrated a consistent and increasingly strong negative effect on mental health from undergraduate to doctoral levels (? = -0.532 to -0.709). Personal factors influenced mental health mainly through stress mediation, whereas the role of family support diminished at higher academic levels. These results highlight a developmental shift in mental health determinants from external support toward internal coping demands as academic level increases.

Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of level-specific mental health strategies focusing on family support for undergraduates and stress management interventions for postgraduate students.

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Published
2026-07-16
How to Cite
Riskiyani, S., Asram, A., Chaeraty Syam, R., Masriadi, & Sa’nna, A. F. T. (2026). Stress Factors and Their Association with Mental Health Problems Among Public Health Students in Makassar: A Cross-Sectional Path Analysis Study . Media Publikasi Promosi Kesehatan Indonesia (MPPKI), 9(7), 1391-1400. https://doi.org/10.56338/mppki.v9i7.8964
Issue
Vol. 9 No. 7 (2026)
Section
Article

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