INTRODUCTION: Mental health disorders are a growing public health concern, particularly among adolescents aged 18–24 years. This study aimed to assess the determinants of mental health service utilization among adolescents aged 18–24 years in Kicukiro District, Rwanda, focusing on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and access to services.
METHODS: A quantitative analytical cross-sectional design of 384 adolescents was conducted in schools, youth centers, and community settings. Data were collected via structured questionnaires covering socio-demographics, mental health knowledge, attitudes, and service utilization. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted using SPSS 25 to identify factors associated with service use.
RESULTS: Overall, 35.4% of adolescents reported having accessed mental health services, with depression (87.5%), anxiety (66.2%), and stress (55.9%) as the main reasons. Awareness of services was high (83.6%), but knowledge of specific access points, particularly digital platforms, was limited. Utilization was significantly associated with age, gender, and attitudes toward mental health. Adolescents aged 21–23 years were 3.8 times more likely to use services compared to those ≤20 years (AOR = 3.753; 95% CI: 1.861–7.570), while males had higher utilization than females (AOR = 5.810; 95% CI: 3.249–10.389). Positive attitudes strongly predicted service uptake.
CONCLUSION: Despite high awareness, the majority of adolescents in Kicukiro District do not access mental health services. Interventions should target attitude change, stigma reduction, and improved accessibility through community, school, and digital platforms to enhance adolescent mental health service utilization in Rwanda.
