Influence of Culture and Stigma on Help-Seeking for Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Study of Saudi University Students in the US

Abstract

mental health help-seeking intentions and acculturation, stigma tolerance, expertness, and self-efficacy among Saudi international students in the United States. Additionally, it sought to explore the impact of anxiety, depression, and the COVID-19 experience on the intention. A cross-sectional survey research design was used to collect data from Saudi students enrolled in American universities. A sample size of 377 was pursued based on sample size estimation for a confidence interval of 95% and a margin of error of 5%. A total of 198 respondents completed the survey covering demographic variables, acculturation, stigma tolerance, expertness, intent, self-efficacy, anxiety and depression assessment, and COVID-19 impact and experience. Data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS)Statistical significance was set at p≤.05. The findings highlighted the importance of considering cultural and individual factors in understanding mental health help-seeking behaviors among Saudi international students. The Theory of Planned Behavior provides a valuable framework for conceptualizing these behaviors. Implications of the findings for mental health interventions and support services for Saudi students in the United States are discussed.