Accessibility and Utilization of Mental Health Services among University of Lagos Sports Men and Women.

Abstract

Mental health issues have been and is still a source of great concern across the world. Inability to manage mental health problems might result in grave consequences which might be difficult to treat. People are affected in one way or the other by situations experienced in daily lives, especially, sports men and women who participate in various competitions. Competitive sports involve a lot of physical and mental concentration for optimal performance. For sports men and women to excel in any competitive sport, they need to be both physically and mentally prepared. This paper seeks to draw attention to the level of accessibility and utilization of mental health facilities in the University and to create awareness regarding the need to care for the mental health of sports men and women. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. A sample of 116 participants comprising 85 male and 31 female was used. A researcher constructed questionnaire was used to gather data from the respondents. Two research hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Data gathered were analyzed using simple percentage and independent t-test. The results revealed that a minimal percentage of respondents (N=16, 14%) have accessed and made use of mental health services. Psychological problems were the highest reported reason for visiting a mental health care provider. Other issues reported include, problem with studies, financial issues and physical problems. There was also no significant gender difference in accessibility and usage of mental health services among participants. Recommendations include the creation of awareness of the importance of adequate, regular and on-going mental health assistance to sports men and women by Professional Counsellors and Sports Psychologist in Nigerian universities.