Prevalence and Factors Associated with Repeat Mental Health Service Utilization During Rwanda’s Genocide Commemoration Week

The genocide commemoration week in Rwanda often triggers heightened mental health (MH) needs, necessitating targeted support. Understanding factors influencing repeat MH service utilization is essential for effective interventions. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from individuals seeking MH services during the 2024 Rwandan genocide commemoration week, distinguishing between first-time and repeat users. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses examined factors associated with repeat utilization. Of the 825 individuals who accessed MH services during Rwanda's 2024 genocide memorial week, 76% were repeat users. Bivariate analysis showed that age and insurance coverage were significantly associated with repeat service utilization, while gender and province were not. Logistic regression revealed that individuals aged 31-50 (AOR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.13-4.64, <i>p</i> = 0.022) and those without insurance coverage (AOR = 3.31, 95% CI: 1.78-6.18, <i>p</i> < 0.001) were more likely to be repeat users compared to the reference groups (18-30 years old and those with insurance, respectively). Gender and province remained nonsignificant in the adjusted model. Improving MH access, particularly for middle-aged individuals and the uninsured, is crucial. Addressing barriers to care could enhance service delivery during the commemoration period.