Help-seeking preferences and barriers for mental health problems among university students in Portugal, Germany, and Sweden

verfasst von

Lara Guedes Pinho, Maria Engström, Maria Revés Silva, Cesar Fonseca, Magnus Lindberg, Lena Jelinek, Johanna Börsting, Anabela Afonso, Gonçalo Jacinto, Annika Nilsson, Johanna Schröder, Brooke C. Schneider

Abstract

Background: Mental health problems are prevalent among university students, underscoring the need to improve access to effective interventions. Mental healthcare utilization is influenced by general and country-specific factors. This study aimed to identify and compare preferences and barriers to help-seeking for mental health problems among university students in three European countries. Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted with a sample of 4960 university students from Portugal (n = 3399), Germany (n = 680), and Sweden (n = 881). Depressive symptoms (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire) and overall mental health (5-item Mental Health Index) were assessed. Students responded to questions regarding help-seeking preferences for and barriers to mental health problems. Results: Rates of moderate to severe depressive symptoms ranged from 37.5 to 51.0 % and were highest among German students. A majority (76.3–89.3 %) of students indicated they would talk to a friend in case of mental health problems. Readiness to seek help was particularly high among Portuguese students. Readiness to use internet-based interventions was low among all students. Up to 51 % of students reported uncertainty regarding where they could seek help. Students with depressive symptoms versus those without were less likely to speak with a friend about emotional problems but were more likely to consider taking medications. Students with depressive symptoms were also more likely to endorse several help-seeking barriers. Conclusion: Reducing structural barriers, improving awareness of treatment options and increasing acceptance of help-seeking for emotional problems may improve uptake of mental health services among students in these European countries.

Externe Organisation(en)

Hochschule Ruhr West (HRW)

Typ

Artikel

Journal

Journal of affective disorders

Band

379

Seiten

782-792

Anzahl der Seiten

11

ISSN

0165-0327

Publikationsdatum

15.06.2025

Publikationsstatus

Veröffentlicht

Peer-reviewed

Ja

ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete

Klinische Psychologie, Psychiatrie und psychische Gesundheit

Ziele für nachhaltige Entwicklung

SDG 3 – Gute Gesundheit und Wohlergehen

Elektronische Version(en)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2025.03.044 (Zugang: Unbekannt)