Abstract
Background: Mental health challenges among healthcare workers (HCWs) have become increasingly prominent, particularly in resource-constrained health systems such as South Africa’s public sector. Despite formal wellness policies and on-site psychological services, utilization remains poorly understood.
Aim: This study explored the level of mental health awareness and the extent of on-site psychologist service utilization among healthcare personnel in public hospitals in Pretoria, South Africa.
Methods: A cross-sectional, quantitative study design was employed using two data sources: (1) self-administered questionnaires (n = 327) to assess mental health awareness, obstacles to seeking help, and service utilization; and (2) secondary data from an on-site psychologist register, covering six months of utilization trends. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were conducted using SPSS.
Findings: While 91.7% of participants reported awareness of mental health issues, only 75.5% were aware of available resources, and a mere 13.8% had used on-site psychological services. Stigma (27.8%), confidentiality concerns (30.3%), and time constraints emerged as key barriers. Logistic regression showed that awareness of resources (p < 0.001), comfort in seeking help (p = 0.008), and prior training (p = 0.026) significantly predicted service utilization. Register data confirmed low uptake, particularly among non-clinical staff.
Conclusion: Even with widespread knowledge of mental health conditions, few individuals access the available support, highlighting a notable gap between awareness and practice. Institutional strategies, such as anti-stigma interventions, improved visibility of services, and increased access to mental health training, are needed to foster supportive environments for healthcare workers.