Bypassing the waitlist: examining barriers and facilitators of help-line utilization among college students with depression symptoms

Abstract

Background A large number of U.S. college students suffer from depression symptoms, yet existing resources cannot match the demand. Aims This study identified the psychological determinants of utilizing a help-line and examined potential barriers in order to inform effective help-line promotion. Participants Four hundred and six undergraduate students (18–29 years) completed a survey at a large Southern United States university between January and May 2018. Methods The survey assessed depression symptoms (PHQ9), whether students were aware of the help-line they had access to, stigma beliefs about depression/suicide, stigma of seeking help (SSOSH), predictors of intention to utilize the help-line (RAT) and behavioral approach and avoidance motivation (BIS/BAS). Results Students showed mild symptoms of depression (M = 6.60, SD = 5.13) and knew about the help-line (74.8%), but expressed low intentions to use it (M = 1.5, SD = 0.97; 7-pt scale). Depression symptoms influenced the strength of association between determinants and intentions to use a help-line (β = 0.25, p < 0.001). Participants with depression symptoms were also more likely to endorse adverse beliefs about depression/suicide (β = 0.11, p = 0.025). Conclusion Help-lines should be promoted by activating and reinforcing positive outcome expectations. Health campaigns should also address adverse beliefs in this population.