Mental Health Challenges and Health-Seeking Behaviours Among High School Adolescents in Lepelle Circuit, Limpopo Province, South Africa: Pilot Study ^†

Background: Mental health problems in adolescents are caused by and linked to several negative outcomes, including subpar academic performance, a low quality of life, and an elevated risk of substance misuse. The mental health challenges and health-seeking behaviours amongst high school adolescents are underexplored, particularly in rural areas such as Limpopo. Objective: This study aims to explore and describe the mental health challenges and health-seeking behaviours amongst high school adolescents in Lepelle Circuit, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods: A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive research design was employed in this pilot study in order to explore and describe mental health challenges and health-seeking behaviours amongst adolescents attending high schools in Lepelle Circuit, Limpopo Province. Nonprobability convenience sampling was used to select participants. One focus group interview consisting of 11 participants was conducted, and the responses were then analysed using Tesch’s open coding method for qualitative data analysis. Results: The findings identified that adolescents face multiple mental health challenges, especially those attending high schools. These challenges were perpetuated by a lack of health-seeking behaviour amongst them. Moreover, this lack of health-seeking behaviour was associated with problems such as financial deficits, knowledge deficits, and a lack of trust in teachers and health care professionals. Conclusion: Similar to elders, mental health amongst adolescents is still under-looked. As such, adolescents’ mental health services need to be initiated at schools. Moreover, campaigns and programmes should be implemented to increase awareness of mental health issues amongst adolescents, as well as to improve their health-seeking behaviours.