Abstract
Background: With a global prevalence of mental disorders among adolescents, exacerbated by COVID-19's impact, understanding the dynamics of seeking assistance is crucial. Therefore, this study will be conducted to determine the status of the Help-seeking intention and the factors affecting it among high school students in Saveh (center of Iran). Methods: In this cross-sectional study conducted in 2023, 400 students from different high schools were selected by a multi-stage, stratified random sampling procedure and were studied using Short Form Mental Health Continuum Questionnaire (MHC-SF), Attitude towards Seeking Professional Psychological Help Questionnaire (ATSPPH), Help-seeking intention questionnaire (GHSQ), and perceived barriers related to mental health services. Data were analyzed via SPSS 21 software using linear regression and descriptive statistical methods. Furthermore, P<0.05 was considered statistically significant Results: The mean score attitude toward mental health services, perceived barriers to mental health services, and positive mental health were 33.8±5.5, 23.5±3.8 and 42.36±10.39 Respectively. close friends were favored for informal help-seeking (4.3±0.97), while doctors were preferred formal help-seeking (3.4±0.91). Attitude toward mental health services was the most important predictor formal help-seeking (p= (< 0.001; β=3.89), while positive mental health was the most important predictor informal help-seeking (< 0.001; β=2.93). Conclusion: The study's findings highlight friends, family, and doctors as primary sources of informal and formal help-seeking among adolescents. Mental health literacy education is crucial for these groups. Given boys' lower help-seeking intentions and the influence of attitudes and perceived barriers, comprehensive training is recommended It is imperative to incorporate mental health literacy programs within school curricula. Moreover, school counselors should receive comprehensive training in identifying and addressing mental health issues effectively among students.