Abstract
Student mental health in the academic context has been a growing concern. They experience a variety of challenges while seeking mental health services. However, there is a severe scarcity of studies on mental health concerns among middle-income semi-urban college students of Bangladesh. This study sought to assess Bangladeshi students' perceptions of mental health and the barriers they encounter when seeking mental health care as well as to offer intervention strategies to overcome these barriers. This study used a qualitative technique, with data collected through 6 focus group discussions (FGDs) including 94 participants from three geographical locations of Bangladesh (Sylhet, Kishoreganj, and Khulna). Purposive sampling methods were employed in the selection of participants. The verbatim transcription and thematic analysis were carried out using manual coding. The findings of the study revealed that participants' perceptions of mental health were mostly influenced by their physical and social perspectives. The shortage of mental health professionals, socioeconomic disparities, financial issues, and unsupportive family settings were found as the most prevalent barriers to getting mental health care. The study highlights the barriers to accessing mental health services and limitations in the availability of preventive and early mental health care. Mental health awareness campaigns, psychosocial support-related training, and psychological counseling can be offered to the students to address the barriers they face. This may help them become resilient and build an efficient support system.
Author Information
Tabassum Amina, BRAC University, Bangladesh
Maruf Hossain Mishuk, BRAC University, Bangladesh
Olima Akter Mim, BRAC University, Bangladesh
Md. Taifur Islam, BRAC University, Bangladesh
Md. Reza-A-Rabby, BRAC University, Bangladesh
Paper Information
Conference: IICE2025
Stream: Mind
This paper is part of the IICE2025 Conference Proceedings (View)
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To cite this article:
Amina T., Mishuk M., Mim O., Islam M., & Reza-A-Rabby M. (2025) Perception on Mental Health Care and Barriers to Seeking Mental Health Services in College Students of Bangladesh: A Qualitative Exploration ISSN: 2189-1036 – The IAFOR International Conference on Education – Hawaii 2025 Official Conference Proceedings (pp. 597-608) https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2189-1036.2025.51
To link to this article: https://doi.org/10.22492/issn.2189-1036.2025.51
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