Migration-related factors and mental health among international students in a UK higher education setting: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract Background International students may experience psychological challenges associated with migration, academic demands, and adjustment to a new cultural environment. Although previous research has documented mental health concerns in this population, less is known about the relationships among migration-related factors, perceived stress, and mental health outcomes within specific UK higher-education settings. Methods A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among international students enrolled at the University of Wolverhampton. Data were collected using an online questionnaire that included demographic information, migration-related variables, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21), and a measure of perceived mental stress. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise participants’ characteristics and mental health outcomes. Inferential analyses included independent samples t tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple linear regression to assess predictors of depression scores, including perceived mental stress, length of stay in the UK, gender, and region of origin. Results A total of 115 international students participated. The sample included 73 women (63.5%), 41 men (35.7%), and one participant who preferred not to report gender (0.9%). Mean scores were 1.14 ( SD = 0.58) for depression, 0.98 ( SD = 0.55) for anxiety, and 1.19 ( SD = 0.56) for stress. Men reported higher mean depression, anxiety, and stress scores than women; however, these results should be interpreted cautiously because of the exploratory design and unequal gender groups. No statistically significant differences were identified across regions of origin, and length of stay in the UK was not significantly related to the mental health outcomes. In the regression model, perceived mental stress and gender were associated with depression scores, whereas length of stay and region of origin were not. Conclusion In this single-institution, cross-sectional sample, perceived mental stress and gender were associated with depression scores, whereas length of stay and region of origin were not. These findings are preliminary and do not establish causality. They support the need for larger, multi-institutional, and longitudinal studies to test whether the observed relationships are reproducible and to clarify the mechanisms involved before recommending specific policy or practice changes.