A Study to Assess the General Mental Health Among College Students in Selected Colleges at Kannur District

This study aimed to assess the general mental health of college students in selected colleges at Kannur district and examine its association with demographic variables. A quantitative, non-experimental descriptive cross-sectional design was used, involving 150 undergraduate students from Canossa College of Nursing and Crescent College of Pharmaceutical Science. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12). Results revealed that 48.6% of students had normal mental health, 8% were prone to psychiatric morbidity, and 43.4% exhibited symptoms requiring further assessment. Significant associations were found between mental health and variables such as gender, course of study, physical activity, emotional support, and screen time. The findings underscore the need for early screening, mental health awareness programs, and institutional support to enhance students' psychological well-being and academic success.