Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM: In Erbil, Iraq, the reluctance of young adults to engage with psychiatric services is influenced by a complex array of barriers, including stigma-related, attitudinal, and instrumental factors that hinder effective mental healthcare access. This study aimed to identify these specific barriers to accessing psychiatric care among young adults in Erbil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study utilized a cross-sectional online survey conducted between April 5th and May 1st, 2024. Data collection was carried out through purposive sampling and involved a comprehensive questionnaire. Electronic informed consent was obtained from all participants before they started the survey, which collected demographic data and utilized the Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation (BACE v3) tool. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 27 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) were used for categorical data, while the mean and standard deviation characterized continuous variables. Chi-square tests, including Fisher's exact test and odds ratio (OR), were used to analyze categorical data, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 407 participants were enrolled in the study. The study highlighted several barriers to mental health care. Stigma-related barriers were significant, with participants fearing being seen as weak (mean score = 2.14, SD = 0.96) and concerns about being labeled "crazy" (mean score = 1.80, SD = 1.19). Regarding attitudinal barriers, there was a notable preference for dealing with issues independently (mean score = 2.04, SD = 0.98) and a tendency toward resolving problems without professional help (mean score = 1.88, SD = 0.98). Additionally, instrumental barriers were identified, including the rare availability of culturally diverse mental health professionals (mean score = 1.78, SD = 1.09) and practical difficulties such as arranging transportation to appointments (mean score = 0.61, SD = 0.87). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that young adults in Erbil face significant stigma and attitudinal and instrumental barriers to accessing psychiatric care. In response to these findings, it is recommended for the government to prioritize mental health awareness, actively destigmatize mental health issues, and improve service accessibility to foster a supportive care environment. Additionally, mental health professionals and educational institutions should collaborate to provide targeted support programs and resources for young adults.