Exploring Determinants of Well-Being Among International Students: A Basis for Health Policy and Risk Management in Higher Education

Putu Ayu Indrayathi,1,2,* Eszter Kovács,1,3,* Pande Putu Januraga,2 Putu Erma Pradnyani,4 Irma Rahyuda,5 László Róbert Kolozsvári1,3 1Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary; 2Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia; 3Department of Family and Occupational Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary; 4Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran, Jakarta, Indonesia; 5Department of Diploma IV Tourism, Udayana University, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Putu Ayu Indrayathi, Department of Family and Occupational Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary, Email [email protected]: Studying abroad represents a significant risk factor for diminished health and well-being due to cultural, environmental, and psychosocial challenges. This study aimed to explore international students’ perceptions of well-being and examine the factors contributing to their well-being while living and studying abroad.Methods: We used an exploratory sequential mixed-methods study design. The first part of the research involved a qualitative study conducted through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. We analyzed the data using thematic analysis. We used the results from the first stage to develop the quantitative part of the study. Multiple regression was used to analyze the factors contributing to international students’ perceived well-being.Results: The qualitative study identified four main factors: academic life, health, social connectedness, and environmental factors. The quantitative study found that faculty and student status significantly affected well-being.Conclusion: Universities and those managing international student affairs should develop pre-arrival plans for incoming students, considering their diverse backgrounds and perspectives on well-being. Student well-being positively influences academic results by enhancing cognitive function, motivation, social engagement, and resilience while reducing risks of stress, burnout, and dropout rates.Keywords: health, well-being, international student, higher education