System Maintenance Notice

Please note that maintenance work is scheduled between 4 AM and 5 AM - CET. During this time, you may experience reduced performance. Thanks for your patience.

Publications

Journal Article Ahead of print

PubMed: 41402950 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-025-03006-8

Factors associated with the mental health of Chinese international students: protocol for a systematic review.

Syst Rev

Authors: Peixin Zuo, Annie Gowing, Anurika De Silva, Harry Minas

Affiliations

  • Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
  • Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
  • Centre for Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
  • Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.

Abstract

BACKGROUND

University students are an at-risk population for developing mental health problems which can negatively impact their academic performance, social relationships, physical health, and future life. Among this population, the cohort of international students is more vulnerable. Chinese international students (CIS) form the largest international student group in the world, but research on their mental health is limited. Although researchers have become increasingly interested in their mental health in recent years, a comprehensive review of existing evidence is not yet available. The proposed review aims to integrate quantitative and qualitative findings concerning factors associated with CIS mental health.

METHODS

The systematic review will follow the PRISMA guidelines. Nine online databases-six English language and three Chinese language-will be searched. Peer-reviewed journal articles will be examined and screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Both quantitative and qualitative data will be extracted and narratively synthesised to generate an improved understanding of factors associated with the mental health of CIS.

DISCUSSION

Findings from this systematic review will provide researchers, education professionals, mental health workers, and universities with knowledge concerning the factors associated with CIS mental health that is necessary for practical actions and will inform further research.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42023402503.

MeSH

Language, Research, Mental Health, Universities