Promoting Wellness for Thai College Students

Abstract

to attend college (Craven & Hawks, 2006; Yoshihara, 1998). Although Thai parents typically view education as a marker for higher status and encourage their children to pursue higher education, less than 10% of the population has a college degree. Each year, the higher education system in Thailand educates approximately 3.4 million students at 2,200 public and private universities, and technical, vocational, and community colleges (Ministry of Education, 2005). University admission requirements include entrance exams for high school seniors. Research has indicated that Thai college students currently underutilize available cam­pus and community health and mental health services (Christopher, Skillman, Kirkhart, & D’Souza, 2006). To increase students’ awareness of, and trust in, health and mental health services, studies have recommended that universities utilize students’ social support systems and create community collaboration (Christopher et al., 2006; Ross et al., 2006). But, no studies have provided a comprehensive model of how to utilize available resources within the Thai colleges to meet the growing health and mental health needs of the students. Universities and colleges in Thailand provide academic advising and some student support services, but only select colleges also provide health services. Very few provide College students in Thailand experience health and mental health issues that impact their wellness—the condition of good physical, mental, and emotional health. The health profile of Thai college students is shaped by weight, sexual practices, and substance use. Many Thai college students develop health­related problems due to their weight or perceptions of being overweight (Wardle, Haase, & Steptoe, 2006). Limited knowledge and inaccurate perceptions regarding safe sex practices have increased the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases for this population (Tangmunkongvorakul, Kane, & Wellings, 2005). Furthermore, substance use has been found to be high among Thai college students who experienced sexual, physical, or emotional abuse as children (Jirapramukpitak, Prince, & Harpham, 2005). The mental health profile of Thai college students is shaped by stress, anxiety, and negative thinking, which can lead to depression (Charoensuk, 2007; Ross et al., 2005). Among Thai college students, depression often leads to substance abuse and suicidal ideation (Boonyamalik, 2005). Thailand is a newly industrialized country with 67 million people. Economic develop­ment over the last 30 years has led to an increase in industrial jobs, a growth of urban population, and a larger middle class. As a result, more Thai citizens have been able