Mental Health Help-Seeking Attitude and its Associated Factors among Chinese International University Students in Malaysia

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Amid growing concerns about mental health in academic settings, especially among international students facing cross-cultural stress and stigma, understanding factors associated with mental health help-seeking attitudes is crucial for effective strategies. This study aimed to examine mental health help-seeking attitudes and associated factors among Chinese international university students in Malaysia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2024 to July 2025 among Chinese international students selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire comprising socio-demographic characteristics, the Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help-Short Form (ATSPPH-SF), the Language Proficiency subscale of the Revised Sociocultural Adaptation Scale (SCAS-R), the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale (SSOSH-3), the Stigma Scale for Receiving Psychological Help (SSRPH), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. RESULTS: A total of 222 participants were analysed. The median help-seeking attitude score was 16.5 (IQR: 14–21). Self-stigma (adjusted β = -0.550, p < 0.001) and students from health and life sciences field (vs. science and technology) (adjusted β = -2.533, p = 0.027) were significant negative predictors, age (adjusted β = 0.148, p = 0.030) and social support (adjusted β = 0.072, p = 0.011) were significant positive predictors. CONCLUSION: Personal and environmental factors were associated with mental health help-seeking attitudes. Universities may improve attitudes by strengthening support systems. Future studies are recommended to further explore strategies to improve mental health help-seeking attitudes among international university students