Mental health stigma and help-seeking behaviour among medical and engineering students

Background: Mental health stigma and help-seeking behaviour among university students remain critical areas of concern, particularly in professional educational settings where academic pressure and future career implications may influence attitudes toward mental health support. Objectives: This study examined differences in mental health stigma and help-seeking behaviour among students with respect to gender, place of residence, and birth order; determined the correlation between mental health stigma and help-seeking behaviour; and assessed comparative differences between medical and engineering students. Methods: This comparative cross-sectional study examined mental health stigma and help-seeking behaviour among 150 undergraduate students (75 medical, 75 engineering) aged 18-25 years. Mental health stigma was assessed using the Self-Stigma of Seeking Help Scale (SSOSH), while help-seeking behaviour was measured using the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale - Short Form (ATSPPH-SF). Results: Results revealed a strong negative correlation between mental health stigma and help-seeking behaviour (r = -0.663, p