Citation

Azfredrick EC. J. Child Adolesc. Ment. Health 2014; ePub(ePub): 1-10.

Affiliation

a University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria , 10 Ngor-Okpala Street, Aladinma Housing Estate, Owerri , Imo state , Nigeria . Email: ezidike@gmail.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, National Inquiry Services Centre, South Africa)

DOI

10.2989/17280583.2014.953955

PMID

25531745

Abstract

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine the predictors and barriers to the use of school counselling services by school attending adolescent girls in south-east Nigeria.

METHOD The study used a cross-sectional survey of 3 065 adolescent girls, using a self-report counselling utilisation scale. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.

RESULTS About 80% of the participants had school counsellors and nearly half of the participants utilised the service. Regression results showed that father's level of education, availability of a counselling laboratory/room, contentment with the counselling services rendered predicted the use of the counselling service. Some of the barriers for non-use of school counselling services were shyness, fear and lack of confidentiality.

CONCLUSION School authorities will encourage uptake of counselling services by adolescents when adequate counselling consulting rooms are provided. This will increase confidence in adolescent clients and reduce fear attached to use of these services. This will improve their mental health and their academic performance.

Language: en