Influence of Availability, Barriers to Accessibility, and Utilization of Mental Health Services on Psychological Distress Status of Undergraduate Students at United States International University-Africa, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Psychological distress is prevalent among university students worldwide. Research shows that there are inadequate efforts being made to improve the mental health of university students and there is low level of accessibility of university students to mental health services. This study aimed to determine the relationship between availability of mental health services, barriers to access to the services, and utilization of the services, on psychological distress status of undergraduate students at United States International University- Africa, Kenya Methods: The research was conducted using a mixed methods research approach. Specifically, an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design was employed, including a cross-sectional survey and key informant interviews. The sample population was 249 undergraduate students at USIU-A, collected using cluster and stratified sampling procedure. Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) was used to determine psychological distress status. Results: This study found 76.8% of undergraduate students suffer from psychological distress with highest prevalence among seniors. Majority of students were aware of available sources of mental health services with three most frequently cited sources by students including counselor (87%), social support (84%), and peer counselor (80%). It was found that psychological distress status varies by students’ awareness of availability of psychologists or personal coping strategist. Association between barriers of accessibility and utilization of mental health services to psychological distress status of students i.e., peer stigma, societal stigma, and self-sufficiency. Conclusion: At USIU-A, majority of students suffer from psychological distress. Whereas several sources of mental health services are available at the institution, a good number prefer to seek informal mental health services and two major barriers to mental health service accessibility include attitudinal barriers and stigma.