Health-care-seeking behaviour among university students in Lebanon

ABSTRACT

This cross-sectional study assessed the health-care-seeking behaviour, barriers to accessing care and associated factors among a sample of 543 Lebanese students at Saint-Joseph University. Data were collected on health-care-seeking behaviour for health issues in the previous 12 months using an anonymous questionnaire. Health-care-seeking behaviour was categorized as formal [professional help sought]; informal relational [help sought from friends/family]; informal personal [self-help]. The health issues examined were physical, psychological, social and relational, sexual, drug, alcohol and smoking. When facing health-related issues, the students tended to seek informal health care. Formal health-care-seeking behaviour was almost non-existent for psychological issues [3.3%], relational and social issues [1.8%], and issues related to substance use [5.1%]. The barriers to seeking formal health care fell into 2 categories accessibility and relational. To encourage young people to access formal health care, specific health services should be provided for them where they are assured of confidentiality and understanding