Mental Health Literacy and Help-Seeking Behaviours Among University Students in Tripoli, Libya: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

University students may experience substantial psychological stress while facing barriers to timely access to professional mental-health support. Mental health literacy is relevant to recognition of mental-health problems, attitudes toward care, and help-seeking. This study assessed mental-health-related knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers among students at the University of Tripoli, Libya. A descriptive cross-sectional study included 183 undergraduate and postgraduate students recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire comprising demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perceived barriers to psychological help-seeking. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 29.0.10. Descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation coefficients were reported. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha. Participants demonstrated favourable knowledge and attitudes, with mean knowledge and attitude scores of 2.74 ± 0.58 and 2.80 ± 0.47, respectively. Most participants considered mental disorders treatable (97.3%), rejected the view that help-seeking indicates weakness (97.8%), and supported campus mental-health services (93.4%). However, only 38.3% reported that they would definitely seek professional help during severe psychological stress, and 6.0% had previously visited a mental-health specialist. The most frequently reported barriers were limited-service availability (46.4%) and lack of awareness about treatment (44.8%); social stigma was identified as a concern by 74.3%. Knowledge was positively correlated with attitudes (r = 0.621, p < 0.001) and practices (r = 0.547, p < 0.001), while attitudes were positively correlated with practices (r = 0.483, p < 0.001). Academic year was significantly associated with all three KAP domains. Students showed favourable mental-health-related knowledge and attitudes, but professional help-seeking was substantially less common. The findings suggest a gap between favourable beliefs and actual or intended help-seeking. Strengthening confidential, accessible university-based services and targeted mental-health literacy interventions may help reduce this gap.