THE ROLE OF MEDIA ON MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AMONG UNDERGRADUATES: A STUDY OF UNIVERSITY OF DELTA, AGBOR
Abstract
This study examined the impact of news media on mental health awareness among undergraduate students at the University of Delta, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria. Using a descriptive research design, the study surveyed 150 undergraduate students selected through random sampling from eight faculties. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire comprising 45 items across four domains: media consumption habits, attitudes toward mental health, mental health literacy, and barriers to seeking mental health care. The study aimed to assess mental health awareness levels, evaluate news media's role in shaping understanding, examine the relationship between media exposure and mental health literacy, and identify barriers to mental health care utilization. The findings revealed high general mental health awareness (89.3%) but significant gaps in comprehensive understanding and service utilization. News media emerged as a significant influencer, with 74.7% of respondents acknowledging its impact on their mental health perceptions. Media exposure contributed to improved mental health literacy (72.0%) and more positive attitudes toward help-seeking (65.3%). However, concerns about accuracy and sensationalization were evident, with only 56.6% trusting media information. Key barriers to mental health care utilization included financial constraints (82.0%), stigma (80.0%), and lack of awareness about available services (77.3%). The study concludes that news media plays a pivotal role in shaping mental health awareness among university students, serving as both an educational tool and perception-shaping mechanism. While media exposure can effectively bridge knowledge gaps and reduce stigma, the quality and accuracy of coverage remain critical concerns. The research recommends comprehensive media strategies, improved journalist training on mental health topics, enhanced university mental health services, and targeted awareness campaigns to address identified barriers and optimize media's positive impact on mental health literacy and help-seeking behaviors among university students.
Full-Text Access Notice
In accordance with the NERD Policy on promoting peer-reviewed publication, public access to the full text of a project, thesis or dissertation is restricted for three years, allowing the author and supervisors sufficient time to pursue peer-reviewed publication.
During this period, researchers with legitimate academic or research purposes may request authorisation directly from the author to enable NERD to release the indexed full texts of the work using the form below.