Browsing by Author "Eden Assefa"

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    Barriers to Utilizing Counseling Services among High School Students (The Roles of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice)
    (Addis Ababa University, 2024-10) Eden Assefa; Seleshi Zeleke (PhD)
    Adolescence, marked by significant changes, requires effective support systems, especially considering mental health challenges like academic stress and identity issues. Despite the recognition of the importance of counseling services, their uptake is hindered by factors like lack of awareness, stigma, and cultural barriers. The main aim of this study was to investigate barriers to utilizing counseling services and the roles of knowledge, attitude, and practice among high school students in Lideta Sub-city, Addis Ababa. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Addis Ababa with a total sample size of 427 study participants. The data were entered into epi-info software and analyzed using SPSS. Bi-variate and multi-variate analyses were employed using a logistic regression model. They were interpreted based on the odds ratio and level of statistical significance at a p-value of 0.05. Out of the total study participants, 63.9% heard about counseling services, 61.6% (95% CI: 56.9%- 66.1%) had a favorable attitude towards counseling services, and 39.1% (95% CI: 34.6%- 43.8%) had utilized counseling services. The logistic regression analysis indicated that those who had inadequate knowledge about counseling services were 2.50 times less likely to seek counseling services than those who had adequate knowledge (AOR= 2.50; 95%CI: (1.59- 3.90)) (p < .001). Besides, those who were learning at Balcha Abanefso were 5.23 times more likely to seek counseling services than those who were learning at Africa Hibret (AOR= 5.23; 95%CI: (2.87-9.52) with p-value < 0.001. In conclusion, the data highlights a significant awareness and positive attitude towards counseling services among the participants. However, the utilization rate of counseling services stands at only 39.1%, indicating a gap between knowledge and actual engagement with these services. Keyword: barrier, knowledge, attitude, practice, Addis Ababa