Examining the Gender Dimensions of Mental Health Help-Seeking in Nigeria: Evidence from FCT Residents

Gender significantly shapes mental health experiences and help-seeking patterns in Nigeria, yet gender-disaggregated mental health research from the country remains scarce relative to the scale of the burden. This study examines the gender dimensions of mental health symptom prevalence and formal and informal help-seeking among adults in the Federal Capital Territory. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, with 310 FCT residents completing validated instruments including the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale-7, and a help-seeking behaviour inventory. Binary logistic regression and gender-stratified analysis were applied. Findings reveal that women demonstrate higher rates of depression and anxiety symptoms but lower rates of formal mental health service utilisation compared to men, paradoxically. Female respondents are significantly more likely to seek informal support through religious channels and social networks, while male respondents who acknowledge symptoms are more likely to access formal psychiatric services once the decision to seek help is made. Stigma operates differently by gender: for women, fear of being perceived as unstable in family roles, and for men, the incompatibility of help-seeking with masculinity norms are the dominant barriers. The study recommends gender-specific mental health service pathways and integration of mental health screening into women's health services. Keywords: mental health, gender, help-seeking, FCT, Nigeria