Analytical Study of Gender Differences in Depression Rates and Help-Seeking Attitudes Among University Students in Ekiti State

Gender differences in depression and help-seeking have been extensively documented in Western literature, but the specific cultural factors shaping these patterns among Nigerian university students require empirical and analytical investigation to avoid uncritical extrapolation of Western findings. This study analytically examined gender differences in depression prevalence, severity, and help-seeking attitudes among undergraduates at Ekiti State University, South West Nigeria. A cross-sectional analytical survey was conducted among 380 students (190 male, 190 female) from six faculties using stratified sampling. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Attitudes Toward Seeking Professional Psychological Help Scale, and a self-stigma measure were administered. Independent samples t-tests, chi-square, and structural equation modelling were applied. Results showed that female students had significantly higher depression prevalence (34.2 percent versus 24.7 percent; p < 0.05) but also significantly more positive attitudes toward help-seeking (mean 3.6 versus 3.1, p < 0.001). Male students showed significantly higher self-stigma toward mental health help-seeking (p < 0.001). The path model revealed that self-stigma fully mediated the gender-help-seeking relationship, with gender having no direct effect on help-seeking when self-stigma was included. Financial barriers to help-seeking were equally cited by both genders. The study fills an analytical gap by identifying self-stigma as the primary mechanism of gender differences in help-seeking and recommends stigma-reduction counselling specifically targeting Nigerian male university students. Keywords: depression, gender differences, help-seeking attitudes, self-stigma, Ekiti State