Mental Health Help-Seeking Sources Among Nigerian Adolescents and Their Associated Factors

Abstract

Mental health challenges among adolescents in Nigeria remain under-addressed, with low help-seeking rates influenced by stigma, poor awareness, and limited family and school support. This study examines mental health help-seeking sources among adolescents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and identifies factors associated with the use of formal and informal support systems. A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, involving adolescents (10–19 years) from public and private secondary schools, and teachers, across urban and rural FCT. Multistage sampling techniques were utilized to select participants while quantitative data was collected via structured questionnaires from 424 adolescents, and 50-teachers and data analysed using SPSS v28. Results showed that 53.1% of adolescents reported using formal/professional sources of mental health help, while 46.9% relied on informal/non-professional sources. Adolescents primarily sought help from parents (41.3%), school counsellors (27.4%), teachers (12.5%), and friends (11.8%). Urban school location significantly predicted formal help-seeking (AOR = 2.165, p = 0.003). Christian adolescents were more likely to seek formal help compared to Muslims (AOR 2.29: p=0.002). Higher father’s education strongly predicted formal health-seeking, particularly tertiary education (AOR 5.39; p<0.001). The findings highlight the influence of socio-demographic and contextual factors on adolescents’ help-seeking behaviour and underscore the need for strengthened institutional, familial, and community-based mental health support systems.