Attitudes of university students in Sudan towards digital mental health

Abstract

Introduction: University students are particularly vulnerable to mental health illnesses. Access to mental health services in Sudan is limited. Digital mental health presents a promising approach that young people widely accept. The study aimed to assess the attitude of university students in Sudan toward digital mental health. 

Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among university students in Khartoum using a self-administered electronic questionnaire. Data were collected between June 19 and July 30, 2022. 

Results: Four hundred and thirty-two responses to the questionnaire were received, with a mean age of 20.37 years. Overall, 95.1% of respondents were willing to search online for mental health information, and 71.1% were willing to try a mental health teleconsultation. The perceived barriers to digital mental health included a preference for traditional consultations (35.6%) and a lack of trust in online providers (18.8%). 

Conclusion: Digital mental health has the potential to play a significant role in increasing access to mental health care for university students in Sudan.