The Relationship Between Mental Health Status and Stigma Among UNIMAS Udergraduate Students
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Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS)
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Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and stress are increasingly prevalent among university students, particularly within nursing programs due to academic and clinical demands. However, stigma toward mental illness continues to hinder help-seeking behaviours and exacerbate psychological distress. This study aimed to examine the relationship between mental health status and stigma among undergraduate nursing students at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). A cross-sectional descriptive quantitative design was employed, involving 163 students selected through simple random sampling. Data were collected using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Stigma and Self-Stigma Scale (SASS). Results revealed that while most students exhibited normal levels of depression and stress, a considerable proportion experienced mild to moderate anxiety. Moderate levels of internalized stigma particularly anticipated stigma, avoidant coping, and reluctance to seek help were also evident. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed a statistically significant relationship between mental health status and stigma. These findings highlight the importance of integrating stigma-reduction strategies and mental health support within nursing education to promote psychological well-being and professional preparedness among nursing students.