SOCIETAL STIGMA AND ITS EFFECT ON THE WILLINGNESS TO SEEK MENTAL HEALTH CARE: QUANTITATIVE EXPLORATION

Background: Mental health is increasingly recognized as a critical public health concern globally. However, despite rising awareness, many individuals do not seek professional help due to societal stigma. This stigma manifests as negative societal attitudes, stereotypes, and internalized shame, which collectively act as barriers to accessing mental health services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where mental illness remains culturally stigmatized. Understanding how stigma affects help-seeking behavior is vital for developing effective mental health interventions. Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between societal stigma and individuals' willingness to seek mental health services. It also explored demographic differences—particularly age, gender, and socioeconomic status—in the influence of stigma on help-seeking behavior. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed. A total of 300 adults aged 18 years and above were recruited via social media platforms and community groups. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered online questionnaire consisting of three sections: demographics, perceptions of societal stigma, and willingness to seek mental health services. Likert-scale questions assessed stigma-related attitudes and help-seeking intentions. Descriptive statistics summarized participant characteristics. Pearson’s correlation assessed the relationship between stigma and help-seeking behavior, while multiple regression analysis identified predictors of willingness to seek care based on demographic variables. Results: Of the 300 participants, 150 were male (50%) and 150 female (50%), with a mean age of 35.5 years (SD = 10.2). A significant negative correlation was found between societal stigma and willingness to seek mental health services (r = -0.42, p < 0.01). Fear of judgment was cited by 75% of those unwilling to seek care. Regression analysis showed that younger individuals (β = 0.15, p < 0.01), females (β = 0.18, p < 0.01), and those with higher income levels were more likely to seek help. The model explained 18% of the variance in willingness to seek care (R² = 0.18, p < 0.01). Conclusion: The findings emphasize that societal stigma significantly hinders help-seeking behavior. Age, gender, and socioeconomic status further influence this relationship. Public health strategies and stigma-reduction policies are critical to promoting mental health service utilization.