The stigma towards seeking help among university students: a cross-sectional study in Jordan

Abstract Background Mental disorders affect one in two people globally, with COVID-19 exacerbating anxiety and depression. Stigma, a major hindrance to seeking mental health services, manifests as public, perceived, and self-stigma. Cultural misconceptions contribute to public stigma. Studies show high stigmatization among university students, impacting help-seeking behavior. Arab populations exhibit varied attitudes influenced by religious beliefs. The research aims to bridge gaps in understanding stigma among university students in Jordan, focusing on the impact of post post-COVID-19 era on mental health perceptions. The study hypothesizes differences in attitudes and stigma between medical and non-medical students, investigating these aspects in Jordan. Methods A cross-sectional study assessed attitudes and stigma related to seeking help among 1,151 university students in Jordan from June 20th to July 20th, 2023. The sample included diverse participants from Jordanian universities. Data were collected through an online survey covering sociodemographic details, psychological background, and attitudes using the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale (ATSPPH). Ethical considerations included approval from the University of Jordan Institutional Review Board and informed consent from participants. Results The survey included 1151 participants. The overall mean age was 20.34 years. Among the participants, 761 (66.1%) were medical students, while 390 (33.9%) were non-medical students. The overall mean ATSPPHS score was 16.30. Medical students exhibited a significantly more positive attitude (73.3%) compared to non-medical students (26.7%). Being a medical student was associated with higher odds of having a positive attitude while being male was found to be a negative predictor. Conclusion Findings revealed that being a medical student and having prior mental health education were linked to more favorable attitudes, whereas male students tended to hold more negative views. Incorporating mental health education into non-medical curricula could be beneficial in diminishing stigma and fostering positive attitudes toward seeking help.