Research Highlights

Exploring Motivators and Barriers of Chinese Nursing Students in Seeking On-Campus Psychiatric Assessments and Consultations for Early Detection (PACED) Project: Reflexive Thematic Analysis

Update as of 3 August 2026


College students in Hong Kong are experiencing considerable stress, which is contributing to mental health challenges and an increase in suicide rates. The suicide rate among individuals aged 15 to 24 years rose to 12.2 deaths per 100,000 in 2023, compared to 6.1 in 2014. A study focusing on college students revealed various mental health concerns, including significant levels of anxiety (37%) and depression (35%), with 7.1% reporting active suicidal thoughts. Unfortunately, many students suffering from mental distress remain undetected or untreated. Chinese nursing students often exhibit reluctance to seek assistance for their mental well-being, which obstructs their access to psychiatric care. A deeper understanding of their challenges and experiences of participating in the On-Campus Psychiatric Assessments and Consultations for Early Detection (PACED) Project can inform the development to tailored mental health policies within colleges.

To investigate the experiences of Chinese nursing students involved in a formal psychiatric assessment and consultation initiative, reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) was employed. This research utilised purposive sampling to recruit ten nursing students from a self-financed university in Hong Kong. Narrative data were collected through in-depth interviews and subsequently coded, thematically analysed, and vigorously interpreted.

The narratives were analysed through critical reflection and interpretation. Key barriers identified included social stigma and deficiencies in healthcare access. Nevertheless, students have overcome the barriers to participate the PACED project for their trust in the psychiatric nursing consultant and the application of intellectualisation strategies.

While the findings may not be universally applicable beyond specific cultural and infrastructural contexts, they provide valuable insights to inform revisions to college mental health policies for nursing students experiencing distress.

 


Team Members:

  1. PI: Dr. CHAN To Keung Simon, S.K. Yee School of Health Sciences, Saint Francis University
  2. Dr. MOK Lai Fong Annie, S.K. Yee School of Health Sciences, Saint Francis University
  3. Dr. MAK Wai Yee, S.K. Yee School of Health Sciences, Saint Francis University
  4. Mr. LEUNG Mang Hung Raymond, S.K. Yee School of Health Sciences, Saint Francis University
  5. Ms. LO Yeuk Sze Rebecca, S.K. Yee School of Health Sciences, Saint Francis University
  6. Prof. CHAN Wai Yee Carol, S.K. Yee School of Health Sciences, Saint Francis University


Reference no.: IDG240203