Relationship between social determinants of mental health, stigma and help-seeking behaviour among university students in Nigeria

Mental health is a critical aspect of well-being among university students, yet stigma and social determinants often hinder access to psychological support. This study investigates the relationship between social determinants of mental health, stigma and help-seeking behaviour among University Students in Nigeria. Employing a mixedmethods approach, the study utilized quantitative surveys from a stratified random sample of students across six public universities; one from each geopolitical zone and qualitative interviews with 24 students who had personal experiences with mental health stigma and help-seeking. Quantitative analysis, using descriptive statistics,regression analysis, and ANOVA, revealed that socioeconomic status and gender significantly influenced mental health outcomes and help-seeking behaviour. Public and self-stigma were identified as major barriers to seeking professional help, with male students experiencing greater societal pressure to suppress emotional distress. Qualitative findings, analysed using thematic analysis, further highlighted the role of cultural misconceptions, peer influence, and institutional constraints in shaping mental health attitudes. The study also found that mental health literacy moderated the effects of social determinants, reducing stigma and increasing willingness to seekhelp.