Housing conditions, well-being and substance use among Kazakhstan higher education students

Abstract

Kazakhstan is a large Central Asian country of the former Soviet republic with a population of Kazakhstan is a large Central Asian country of the former Soviet republic with a population of nearly 21 million, the majority being Muslim with moderate religious practices. Despite considerable economic growth, significant portion of students remain pressed to address higher education and living costs. This cross-sectional study of 2065 students examined their housing condition and its association with burnout, loneliness, financial well-being, and substance use. Respondents’ mean age was 18.6 (SD = 3.2), 71.0% female and 29.0% male. Stepwise multiple regression, Pearson’s chi-squared test, the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal—Wallis H test, t test, as well as one and two-way ANOVA were used for data analysis. Female students, and those using harmful substances, were more likely to report burnout and loneliness. Gender status did not differentiate student substance use. No significant difference was found for burnout and loneliness based on respondent housing condition. One-way ANOVA shows better financial well-being among students who live with parents/relatives; however, students who live on or off campus evidence more substance use including alcohol binge drinking. Regardless of housing conditions, the substance use among Kazakhstani students is significantly lower than that of students from many other countries. This study provides usable information for promoting psychological well-being among students in the country and elsewhere.