Predictors of seeking mental health services among Iranian middle-aged people based on health belief model: evidence from a cross-sectional study in a developing country.

Background: There is limited information about people's beliefs regarding how they deal with mental health problems, especially in developing countries. This study was conducted with the aim of determining predictors of seeking mental health services (SMHS) among Iranian middle-aged people.

Method: The current study is a cross-sectional study on 384 middle-aged people from Jahrom city that was selected with random cluster sampling. The data collection tool is a researcher-made questionnaire consisting demographic information and health beliefs about SMHS based on the health belief model. To examine the prediction of variables explaining SMHS, a linear regression analysis was carried out. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Perceived susceptibility (β = 0.22; p < 0.001), perceived severity (β = 0.13; p = 0.002), perceived barriers (β = 0.39; p < 0.001) and perceived self-efficacy (β = 0.37; p < 0.001) could explain 44% of variance of SMHS (F = 61.46; p < 001).

Conclusion: SMHS was related to people's perceptions and beliefs, and middle-aged people's perceived barriers were stronger predictors. It is necessary for health planners to develop and implement educational intervention programs that include health beliefs.