Help-Seeking Intention and Its Determining Factors Among High School Students in Iran

Abstract

Background: With a global prevalence of mental disorders among adolescents, exacerbated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)’s impact, understanding the dynamics of seeking assistance is crucial. Therefore, this study determined the status of the help-seeking intention and the factors affecting it among high school students in Saveh (center of Iran). Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted in 2023, 400 students from different high schools were selected by a multi-stage stratified random sampling procedure. They were studied using the Short Form of Mental Health Continuum Questionnaire (MHC-SF), Attitude Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Questionnaire (ATSPPH), Help-seeking Intention Questionnaire (GHSQ), and perceived barriers related to mental health services. Data were analyzed via SPSS 21 software using linear regression and descriptive statistical methods. Furthermore, P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean score attitude toward mental health services, perceived barriers to mental health services, and positive mental health were 33.8±5.5, 23.5±3.8, and 42.36±10.39, respectively. Close friends were favored for informal help-seeking (4.3±0.97), while doctors preferred formal help-seeking (3.4±0.91). Furthermore, attitude toward mental health services was the most important predictor of formal help-seeking (P value<0.001; β=3.89), while positive mental health was the most important predictor of informal help-seeking (P value<0.001; β=2.93). Conclusion: The findings of this study identified friends, family, and doctors as primary sources of informal and formal help-seeking among adolescents. Mental health literacy education is crucial for these groups. Given boys’ lower help-seeking intentions and the influence of attitudes and perceived barriers, comprehensive training is recommended. Hence, it is essential to incorporate mental health literacy programs within school curricula. Moreover, school counselors should receive comprehensive training to identify and address mental health issues effectively among students.