Facing the pandemic aftermath: exploring depression and mental health service usage among first-year university students in southern Thailand

The prevalence of depression among participants from southern universities in Thailand that are members of the ASEAN University Network-Health Promotion Network during the first three months of the academic year was 37.5%. Protective and risk factors included GPA, high school type, presence of a partner, relationships with friends and partners, eating habits, and self-confidence. Although students generally perceived mental health services as accessible, many were unaware of university-provided services and did not seek mental health information from close contacts such as parents, guardians, teachers, or friends.