%0 Journal Article %T Depression and help-seeking intention among young adults: the theory of planned behavior %J American journal of health education %D 2019 %A Zorrilla, Márcia Mónica %A Modeste, Naomi %A Gleason, Peter C. %A Sealy, Diadrey-Anne %A Banta, Jim E. %A Trieu, Sang Leng %V 50 %N 4 %P 236-244 %X BACKGROUND: One in five adults are diagnosed with mental illness in the United States. Young adults, ages 18 to 25, have the highest prevalence of depression (10.9%). Depression is also a risk factor for suicide. The current study applied the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB).

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the predictors that influence help-seeking intentions on utilization of mental health services among a diverse population of young adults.

METHODS: The study designed was a cross-sectional online survey of 18 to 24-year-old young adults (n= 430) who lived, worked, and/or attended school in San Francisco, California. The survey was available in English, Spanish, and Chinese; and accessible from August 2016 through March 2017. The online survey was a modified version of surveys developed by Mo and Mak, and Reavley and colleagues.

RESULTS: The demographic composition of the sample included: white (35.3%), Latino(a) (25.3%), and Chinese (21.6%); and primarily female (58.6%). Almost one-third of the participants (31.6%) screened positive for depression. Nearly half of the participants had ever met with a mental health professional (49.5%, n=213). There was a strong, positive correlation for attitude [r=.61, P<.01] and help-seeking intention. Positive attitudes in help-seeking was a consistent predictor when using linear regression models.

DISCUSSION: The TPB variables, especially attitudes, were highly predictive in help-seeking intention for mental health services. Translation to Health Education Practice: Health Educators who work in college-based student health centers can use the findings to develop interventions at the individual and community levels.

Language: en

%G en %I Informa - Taylor and Francis Group %@ 1932-5037 %U http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/19325037.2019.1616014