A Quantitative Investigation of Mental Health Knowledge, Awareness, and Belief among College Students

Mental health is a fundamental cornerstone of overall well-being, involving a complex interplay of various dimensions and significantly impacting an individual's life. Despite progress, challenges persist in addressing mental health, especially within student populations. The study assesses mental health literacy among college students to address the empirical gap identified. The study employed a cross-sectional design with stratified random sampling to survey mental health literacy among 735 students across seven (7) college departments. The study revealed high overall mental health knowledge among students but highlighted gaps in symptom recognition and practical support. While awareness and willingness to support peers were strong, variable beliefs and misconceptions emphasized the need for comprehensive mental health education.