Analysis of university students’ perception of mental health

The mental health of university students has become an increasingly important public health issue, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the high prevalence of mental illness, little is known about how students themselves perceive their mental health and which contextual and institutional factors influence these perceptions. This study examined mental health perceptions among university students in the Czech Republic, focusing on their views of the urban environment and preferred forms of support. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 767 students from four public universities. The 15-item questionnaire covered internal experiences, social background, and institutional conditions. Data were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA) and Welch’s t-test to assess gender differences. Three components initially emerged: (1) subjective mental well-being, (2) contextual and interpersonal support, and (3) institutional determinants. However, due to low internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.285), Component 2 was excluded. The final interpretation therefore focused on two dimensions: subjective self-perception of mental health and social/institutional determinants. Gender differences were statistically significant for the latter, with women scoring higher. Students most often reported workload, social media, and family relations as stressors, while they valued cultural and educational opportunities of cities. The most frequently preferred forms of support included strengthening psychological services at universities, preventive care, and easier access to professional help. The findings indicate that students’ mental health perceptions are shaped by individual, social, and institutional dimensions. Public health strategies should therefore extend beyond clinical treatment, strengthen preventive and community-based approaches, address gender differences, and enhance the role of universities as key sites of early intervention.