Perceived Barriers to Seeking Mental Health Treatment Among Male University Students at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria

Male university students represent a group that is particularly unlikely to seek mental health treatment despite high rates of psychological distress, due to sociocultural expectations around masculinity. This study investigates perceived barriers to mental health help-seeking among male undergraduates at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, North West Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey will recruit 240 male students from six faculties through proportional stratified sampling. The Barriers to Help-Seeking Scale (BHSS) will assess barriers across dimensions of stigma, self-reliance, minimization of the problem, and practical access. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) will also be administered to assess the current distress level of respondents. Chi-square tests and logistic regression will identify sociodemographic predictors of barrier endorsement. Nigerian studies consistently report that social stigma and masculine ideals of stoicism are the most prominent barriers to mental health care engagement among male students. This study will provide contextual evidence to guide ABU's student wellness unit in developing gender-responsive outreach. Keywords: help-seeking barriers, male students, mental health, Ahmadu Bello University, masculinity