Osahon ONI

This study examines the health-seeking behaviours of sexually abused teenagers in Uselu Community, Edo State, focusing on their access to medical, emotional, and mental health support. Utilizing a quantitative research design, data was collected through surveys distributed to a sample of 400 adolescents. The findings reveal significant barriers to seeking help, including stigma, financial constraints, limited healthcare access, and insufficient understanding among service providers regarding issues related to sexual abuse. While 50% of respondents expressed a willingness to seek medical assistance, an equal proportion reported reluctance, indicating the influence of cultural factors and a preference for informal emotional support. Notably, only 40% of the teenagers utilized counselling services, highlighting a critical gap in mental health engagement. The study also emphasizes the vital role of social workers in providing support and facilitating access to resources, underscoring their importance in community education and stigma reduction. Recommendations include improving healthcare access, implementing trauma-informed training for providers, increasing the availability of mental health resources, and expanding confidential support options. Keywords: Health-seeking behaviors, Sexual abuse, Adolescents, Mental health support, Stigma.