Mental Health Among Polytechnic Students in Malaysia: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Mental health has become an increasingly important concern among students in higher education, particularly within the polytechnic context in Malaysia. This systematic literature review aims to examine mental health issues among polytechnic students, identify key factors influencing their psychological well-being, and synthesise existing literature in this area. A structured search strategy was conducted using Google Scholar and ScienceDirect, covering publications from 2020 to 2025. The initial search identified 14,513 articles, which were screened based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Following a rigorous selection process guided by the PRISMA framework, seven studies comprising both quantitative and qualitative designs were included in the final analysis. The findings indicate that mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and psychological distress are commonly reported among students. Academic-related factors, including workload, assessment pressure, and teaching-related challenges, were identified as major contributors to psychological strain. In addition, psychosocial factors such as social support, financial difficulties, and adaptation to the learning environment were found to influence students’ mental health outcomes. Overall, this review highlights the significant role of academic and psychosocial factors in shaping students’ mental health. The findings provide useful insights for polytechnic institutions in developing effective strategies to support student well-being. This study also contributes to the existing literature by offering a focused synthesis of mental health issues within the polytechnic education context in Malaysia.