Mental Health Help-Seeking Behavior Among Rural Women in Borno State, North East Nigeria

Rural women in conflict-affected regions face compounded vulnerabilities to mental illness, yet studies consistently show low rates of formal psychiatric help-seeking in such populations. This descriptive survey investigates the patterns and determinants of mental health help-seeking behavior among rural women aged 18 to 49 in Borno State, North East Nigeria, a region significantly affected by insurgency over the past decade. A sample of 250 women will be selected through multistage sampling from three rural local government areas. The validated General Help-Seeking Questionnaire (GHSQ) will be used alongside a structured interview assessing perceived need, stigma, cultural beliefs, and access barriers. Qualitative insights will be gathered through six focus group discussions to contextualize the quantitative data. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression will be applied for analysis. Preliminary evidence suggests that reliance on traditional healers and religious leaders as primary mental health resources is prevalent in North East Nigeria. This study aims to identify modifiable barriers and facilitators of formal help-seeking, with a view to designing community-based outreach strategies tailored to conflict-affected populations. Policy implications for state ministries of health and international NGOs operating in the region will be discussed. Keywords: help-seeking, mental health, rural women, Borno State, conflict