Geographic, Demographic, and Cultural Influences on Mental Health Help-Seeking Attitudes of Ghanaian Junior High School Students

Young people continue to experience a myriad of mental health challenges. The ability to seek help for mental health challenges is crucial to improving life and wellbeing. This study examines the geographic, demographic, and cultural influences on mental health help-seeking attitudes among Ghanaian junior high school students. Using a quantitative approach, the research aims to identify key factors that shape adolescents' willingness to seek mental health support. This cross-sectional study was conducted over 3 weeks among 1702 junior high students in Ghana using validated questionnaires. The study aimed to examine attitudes toward seeking mental health services among Ghanaian students and how they differ across geographic regions, Sex, and Ethnic groups. Data were analyzed using variance analysis (ANOVA) and multiple regression in STATA version 17. A total of 1,702 participants were included in the study from across 5 regions of Ghana. The results demonstrated significant regional, sex, and ethnic differences in mental health-seeking attitudes. Mental health factors such as self-stigma and opinions about suicide were found to have the strongest influence on mental health-seeking attitudes among participants. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive mental health education integrated into school curricula and the establishment of more effective counselling services led by trained professionals.