Perception, attitude and use of digital health platforms for mental health promotion among students in a national university in the south-western part of Nigeria: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background: Nigeria faces significant challenges in providing access to and utilisation of professional mental health treatments. Digital health systems play an essential role in healthcare across diverse settings. This study aimed to determine the perceptions, attitudes and use of digital health platforms in mental health promotion among University of Ibadan students in Nigeria.

Method: This study was a cross-sectional survey, and 400 respondents from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, were selected using a multistage sampling procedure. The data were obtained using a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire. The data were analysed using SPSS version 25 via descriptive and inferential statistics, such as chi-square tests and multiple linear regression at the 5% significance level.

Result: The respondents were 24.2 ± 4.8 years. Most respondents (99.8%) had access to at least one mobile phone. The majority (83.2%) were unaware of any digital health platform for mental health promotion. Despite the lack of awareness, most respondents (47%) positively perceived the usefulness of digital health platforms for mental health promotion. Most (74.2%) had favourable attitudes toward using digital health platforms for mental health promotion. Most (88.3%) reported never using any mental health promotion applications, and 11.7% reported using at least one application. In the mental health assessment, 46.5% reported mild-severe mental disorders. There was a significant association between students' awareness and use of these platforms (r = 25.429; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: These findings revealed low awareness of mental health promotion digital platforms, but the respondents had positive perceptions, attitudes and good behavioural intentions.