Assessing determinants associated with the mental help seeking behaviour ofhealth science and psychology students at The Catholic University of EasternAfrica, Langata campus, Nairobi, Kenya.

Abstract

Young adults in Sub Saharan Africa are at high risk of developing mental health issues due to cultural misconceptions, poverty, poor mental health literacy, weak governing structures and health systems. This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed the determinants associated with the mental help-seeking behavior patterns of health science and psychology students at The Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Lang’ata campus, Nairobi. Stratified simple random sampling design using Slovin’s 1960 formula was used to obtain the sample size which was then reduced to the desired sample size (100 students). Quantitative and qualitative data was collected using detailed questionnaires and a scheduled interview session with the school counsellor. Data was analyzed using SPSS v.21, odds ratios and chi-square tests performed to show association between independent and dependent variables. Positive mental-help seeking attitudes were observed among most students, especially those from the health sciences department. Demographic characteristics and negative institutional determinants significantly influenced the students' mental help-seeking behaviour patterns, while attitudes, beliefs and positive institutional determinants did not show any significant chance to influence the students' mental-help seeking behaviour. Based on findings, recommendations towards more interventions targeting male students and those above 25 years should be considered and more research on the influence of attitudes, beliefs and positive institutional determinants is encouraged.