Preferences and barriers to mental help seeking among students attending the University of Dschang, West region, Cameroon.

BackgroundMental disorders are a major source of disability and receive little attention in developing countries in general and particularly in Cameroon. Students are at a higher risk of developing mental disorders. The aim of this study was to assess students mental help seeking preferences and the barriers to mental health seeking. MethodsWe conducted a cross sectional study. Participants were selected using a multistage sampling method. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics preferences and barriers to mental health seeking. ResultsOf the 84.23%[534/634, CI :81.18%- 86.86%] who consider depression a serious health problem 34.14%[183/534, CI : 30,25%- 38.26%] will go to a psychologist, in case of a mental health problem.. Most of the participants 47.32% [300/634,CI : 43,46%- 51.21%] prefer a private hospital for healthcare. The greatest barrier to health access is the inability to pay 38.64%[245/634, CI : 34.93%- 42.49%]. ConclusionInterventions to increase awareness on available health services, implementation of universal health coverage and the promotion of mental health could greatly improve health seeking behaviour and access to mental healthcare.