Mental well-being and associated factors among medical students in an underdeveloped area of China: a cross-sectional study

Medical students’ mental well-being is closely related to the quality of professional training. This study aimed to assess mental well-being and identify associated factors among medical students in an underdeveloped area of China. This cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate medical students at a medical university in an underdeveloped area of China. Mental well-being was assessed using the Short Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale. Demographic information was collected, and validated instruments were used to assess lifestyle, professional identity, perceived social support, family capital, adverse childhood experiences, and perceived involution. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multiple linear regression. Among 968 respondents, the mean mental well-being score was 29.4 (s.d. = 5.45), and 33.4% were classified as having moderate or low mental well-being. After adjustment for covariates, professional identity, perceived support from family and significant others, regular living habits, dietary and nutritional behaviours, physical activity, and year of study were positively associated with mental well-being. In contrast, perceived resource scarcity and adverse childhood experiences were negatively associated with mental well-being. Approximately one-third of participants reported moderate or low mental well-being. The findings identify several factors associated with mental well-being among medical students and highlight the need to strengthen student support within medical education, particularly in underdeveloped areas.