Abstract
Mental health disorders are prevalent among adolescents and evidence suggests that stigma, poor mental health literacy (MHL) and access are key barriers to help-seeking for mental health difficulties in adolescence and throughout life. The study purpose is to assess existing mental health knowledge, stigma and help-seeking behaviour among adolescents in Uganda. A total of 889 secondary school students in Kampala completed standardised self-report questionnaires. The results reveal low-to-moderate levels of mental health knowledge (MAKS, range 12-60, M = 16.35, SD = 5.18, AMHLQ, range 33-138, M = 64.01, SD = 12.98), stigma (RIBS, range 4-20, M = 12.30, SD = 3.52) and prejudice towards people with mental illness (PPMI-TR, range 133-19, M = 73.85, SD = 13.38). Knowledge correlated with stigma (r = 0.166 and r = 0.135, p < 0.01), and with one's capacity to assess own mental health (SELF-I range 5-25, M = 12.34, SD = 4.4). Adolescents are open to seek help from mental health professionals but reluctant to seek it from most accessible help sources like schoolteachers. The findings provide insights for future mental health-promoting and anti-stigma interventions for adolescents.