UTILIZATION OF PRIMARY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES BY ADOLESCENTS IN KITWE DISTRICT ZAMBIA.

Abstract

 Background:
The utilisation of primary mental health services remains low in Zambia, particularly in Kitwe, despite efforts by the government to increase access. Adolescents are especially underrepresented among those seeking these services. This study aimed to assess the factors influencing the utilisation of primary mental health services by adolescents in Kitwe District.

Objective:
To investigate the factors contributing to the utilisation of primary mental health services among adolescents in Kitwe District.

Methods:
A quantitative, cross-sectional, non-interventional research design was used. Simple random sampling ensured fair representation, with a total of 191 adolescent respondents who had accessed mental health services at Kitwe Teaching Hospital.

Results:
Key barriers identified were lack of awareness, limited resources, and stigma. Males accounted for 60.7% of respondents, and females 39.3%. About 45.5% of adolescents had low knowledge of primary mental health services. Substance use was positively associated with service utilisation (β = 6.06, p < 0.001, OR = 428.5), while low knowledge significantly reduced the likelihood of accessing services (β = -3.95, p < 0.001, OR = 0.02). Resource availability was also a significant factor (β = 3.16, p = 0.01, OR = 23.6), with 57.1% reporting limited access. Furthermore, 63.4% of adolescents believed that stigma was associated with mental health service use, affecting their willingness to seek care.

Conclusion:
Despite integration efforts, primary mental health service utilisation among adolescents in Kitwe remains low. Enhancing knowledge, addressing stigma, and improving resource availability are essential to increasing uptake.