Influences to help-seeking behavior in mental health among first year to third year medical students second semester SY 2018-2019 in De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute
Abstract
A cross-sectional study among 460 medical students was conducted at DLSMHSI via validated questionnaire. Outcomes indicated that two in five of the participants had perceived mental health difficulty but only 32.64% have sought consult. Majority of the participants perceived personal growth as benefit that influences help-seeking behavior whereas, embarrassment and discomfort in sharing one's feelings as barriers. Furthermore, medical students who are non-dormers, are more likely to hold stigma-related attitudes than dormers. Lastly, a greater number of students preferred significant others such as boyfriend and girlfriend as their support system. The study concluded that the proportion of students form the first to third year levels of the DLSMHSI with perceived mental health difficulties is 42%, a third of whom sought for help. Measures to improve mental help-seeking behaviors are thus imperative.