Table 3 Barriers to Access to Care Evaluation (BACE) as perceived by medical students

I am concerned that I might be seen as weak for having a mental health problem?

177

156

101

0.82 (0.782)

I am concerned about what my family might think?

134

113

187

1.12 (0.852)

I am concerned that I might be seen as “crazy”?

276

78

80

0.55 (0.786)

I don’t want a mental health problem to be on my medical records?

207

99

128

0.82 (0.861)

I am concerned that people I know might find out?

205

108

121

0.81 (0.846)

I am concerned that people might not take me seriously if they found out I was having professional care?

202

94

138

0.85 (0.874)

I am concerned about what my friends might think, say, or do?

241

99

94

0.66 (0.812)

I feel embarrassed or ashamed?

181

127

126

0.87 (0.832)

6.51 (4.688)

6 (2–10)

I dislike talking about my feelings, emotions, or thoughts?

118

92

224

1.24 (0.854)

I want to solve the problem on my own?

93

98

243

1.35 (0.810)

I am concerned about the treatments available (e.g., medication side effects)?

117

95

222

1.24 (0.851)

I am afraid of being put in hospital against my will?

244

66

124

0.72 (0.879)

I think that professional care probably would not help?

167

122

145

0.95 (0.847)

I think I did not have a problem?

186

126

122

0.85 (0.830)

I prefer to get help from family or friends?

235

76

123

0.74 (0.872)

I prefer to get alternative forms of care (e.g., traditional/religious healing or alternative/complementary therapies)?

190

88

156

0.92 (0.890)

I have had previous bad experiences with professional care for mental health?

350

39

45

0.30 (0.646)

8.32 (3.639)

8 (6–11)

I feel too unwell to ask for help?

138

119

177

1.09 (0.848)

I cannot afford the financial costs?

105

89

240

1.31 (0.837)

It is difficult to take time off work or study?

93

107

234

1.32 (0.806)

I have problems with transport or travelling to appointments?

166

107

161

0.99 (0.869)

I am not sure where to go to get professional care?

80

88

266

1.43 (0.784)

I don’t have anyone who could help me get professional care?

105

99

230

1.29 (0.831)

Professionals from my own ethnic or cultural group not being available?

195

92

147

0.89 (0.882)

8.32 (3.628)

8 (6–11)

23.15 (8.792)

23 (17–29)