Determinants of early mental health help-seeking among women in Bangladesh: A nationally representative bootstrapped regression analysis

Mental health is a critical public health concern, shaping emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Depression and anxiety are the most common and preventable mental disorders, can be significantly improved by early interventions and proper care. This study investigates help-seeking behavior at early stage (mild to moderate anxiety and depression) and its determinants among Bangladeshi women. Special focus is given to media exposure as a potential enabler of early support. We used Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) data 2022 and utilized bootstrapped fixed-effect logistic regression model to detect the determinants. Only 20.8% of the women in this study (Weighted N = 3181) reported seeking help at least once. Compared to women with no education, those with secondary or higher education were respectively 1.41 and 1.55 times more likely to seek help (95% CI = 1.07 - 1.87 and 1.04 - 2.28 respectively)). In reference to Barisal, residents of Khulna (aOR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.70-4.65) showed the highest increase in help-seeking odds. Working women had significantly greater odds of seeking help (aOR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.52-3.07). Internet users were twice as likely to seek help (95% CI: 1.52-2.75), while smartphone users showed lower odds (aOR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.46-0.88). Watching Television showed no significant (aOR = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.88, 1.36) impact on help-seeking behaviour. There are alarmingly low levels of help-seeking among Bangladeshi women facing early-stage anxiety and depression, with housewives being the least likely to seek support. Education, employment, decision making autonomy, and internet usage significantly influenced help-seeking behavior. Despite widespread access, television remains a neglected tool in mental health promotion. An integrated, culturally sensitive strategy with combination of mass media, peer support, equitable responsibilities, education, and policy have the potential to empower women and spark early help-seeking for mental health.