Mental health knowledge, stigma towards mental illness, and help-seeking among adolescents in secondary schools in Kampala, Uganda.

Mental health disorders are prevalent among adolescents and evidence suggests that stigma, poor mental health literacy (MHL) and access are key barriers to help-seeking for mental health difficulties in adolescence and throughout life. The study purpose is to assess existing mental health knowledge, stigma and help-seeking behaviour among adolescents in Uganda. A total of 889 secondary school students in Kampala completed standardised self-report questionnaires. The results reveal low-to-moderate levels of mental health knowledge (MAKS, range 12-60, M = 16.35, SD = 5.18, AMHLQ, range 33-138, M = 64.01, SD = 12.98), stigma (RIBS, range 4-20, M = 12.30, SD = 3.52) and prejudice towards people with mental illness (PPMI-TR, range 133-19, M = 73.85, SD = 13.38). Knowledge correlated with stigma (r = 0.166 and r = 0.135, p < 0.01), and with one's capacity to assess own mental health (SELF-I range 5-25, M = 12.34, SD = 4.4). Adolescents are open to seek help from mental health professionals but reluctant to seek it from most accessible help sources like schoolteachers. The findings provide insights for future mental health-promoting and anti-stigma interventions for adolescents.