Volume 16, Issue 4 (Jul & Aug 2026)
J Research Health 2026, 16(4): 343-354 |
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Ethics code: 081/082
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Siddiqui S K, Shirodker A G, Pathania B. Stigma, Culture, and Help-seeking: Pathways to Mental Health Support Among Women in Nepal. J Research Health 2026; 16 (4) :343-354
URL: http://jrh.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-3001-en.html
URL: http://jrh.gmu.ac.ir/article-1-3001-en.html
1- Faculty of Arts, MIE-SPPU Institute of Higher Education, Doha, Qatar. , siddiquisuaeya@gmail.com
2- Faculty of Arts, MIE-SPPU Institute of Higher Education, Doha, Qatar.
2- Faculty of Arts, MIE-SPPU Institute of Higher Education, Doha, Qatar.
Abstract: (729 Views)
Background: Mental health awareness in Nepal has increased in recent years; however, women’s help-seeking behavior remains strongly influenced by stigma, cultural norms, and structural constraints. This study aimed to investigate how mental health awareness relates to stigma and help-seeking preferences among women in the rural district of Nepal, with attention to age-related differences.
Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed. Data were collected from 40 women using purposive sampling, selecting participants who met the inclusion criteria of being adults residing in Nepal and willing to discuss mental health. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to examine associations between demographic variables, stigma, and willingness to discuss mental health concerns.
Results: While 97.5% of participants reported being aware of mental health issues, perceptions remained culturally mixed, with some viewing mental health illness as a taboo or disease. A majority (67.5%) reported experiencing more than one mental health issue. Informal networks were the dominant source of support, with 62.5% preferring multiple family-based sources, and only 2.5% reported seeking professional help. Seventy percent faced multiple barriers to care, primarily due to stigma and financial constraints. A statistically significant association was found between age and stigma (x²=34.19, P<0.001), indicating higher stigma among younger women. However, willingness to discuss mental health did not significantly vary across age groups.
Conclusion: These findings highlight a critical gap between awareness and professional help-seeking among women in Nepal. Addressing stigma among younger women and strengthening culturally sensitive, community-based mental health services are essential for improving access to care.
Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative design was employed. Data were collected from 40 women using purposive sampling, selecting participants who met the inclusion criteria of being adults residing in Nepal and willing to discuss mental health. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to examine associations between demographic variables, stigma, and willingness to discuss mental health concerns.
Results: While 97.5% of participants reported being aware of mental health issues, perceptions remained culturally mixed, with some viewing mental health illness as a taboo or disease. A majority (67.5%) reported experiencing more than one mental health issue. Informal networks were the dominant source of support, with 62.5% preferring multiple family-based sources, and only 2.5% reported seeking professional help. Seventy percent faced multiple barriers to care, primarily due to stigma and financial constraints. A statistically significant association was found between age and stigma (x²=34.19, P<0.001), indicating higher stigma among younger women. However, willingness to discuss mental health did not significantly vary across age groups.
Conclusion: These findings highlight a critical gap between awareness and professional help-seeking among women in Nepal. Addressing stigma among younger women and strengthening culturally sensitive, community-based mental health services are essential for improving access to care.
Type of Study: Orginal Article |
Subject:
● Psychosocial Health
Received: 2025/12/4 | Accepted: 2026/02/25 | Published: 2026/07/1
Received: 2025/12/4 | Accepted: 2026/02/25 | Published: 2026/07/1
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