Technological Solutions in Health Research and Practice for Community Development

Abstract

The burden of mental health problems has led to delayed health seeking behaviour particularly among the university students. This study investigated cognitive barriers to mental health seeking behaviour among university students in Tharaka Nithi County in Kenya. The study findings would be of significance to policy makers by giving insight on making best policies to address mental health seeking behaviour in university settings in Tharaka Nithi County. Descriptive survey research was employed involving 376 randomly selected university students and counsellors from the public universities. Quantitative data collection involved administration of structured questionnaires to students and interview schedules collected qualitative data from the counsellors. The results from descriptive statistical analysis using SPSS version 28 indicated that 53.8% (n=170) were unaware of provision of mental health services, doubt on effectiveness (36%, n=114), and underestimation of symptoms (41%, n=131). Thematic analysis indicated that the key cognitive barriers to mental health seeking behaviour involved low mental health literacy levels, belief in self-sufficiency, rationalization and cognitive distortions. The findings highlighted the need for adopting innovative mental health delivery strategies that encourage mental health seeking behaviour among university students, such as online psycho-educational interventions. The findings established a need for increased strategies that leverage modern technology to increase mental health seeking behaviour among university students in Tharaka Nithi County. It was therefore recommended that the university counsellors take initiative to design and apply technology-based solutions that promote and increase help-seeking among university students in Tharaka Nithi, Kenya.