Mohamad Nadzir, Amiera Shakina and Zainal Abidin, Muhammad 'Adil and Ahmad, Aslina and Rusli, Mohammad Farhan and Abdul Khaiyom, Jamilah Hanum and Lourdunathan, Pamilia and Davis, Amalina and Badrol Hisham, Afaf Qamelia and Saifulizzam, Nur Shuhada (2026) Behavioural insights from community-digital integration for counselling access in Selangor. In: 1st National Conference on Behavioural Sciences in Health, 6-7 May 2026, National Institutes of Health.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Community mental health service utilisation in Malaysia remains limited due to stigma, low perceived need, and structural barriers to access. Behavioural science highlights social norms engagement in shaping help-seeking behaviour. In response, Selangor state government introduced the SEHAT initiative, a counselling hub embedded within assemblymen service centres. Established in collaboration with PERKAMA counsellors in 2024 and later integrated with the SELANGKAH digital platform in 2025. OBJECTIVE(S): This study examines how a digitally enabled, community-based counselling model influences professional help-seeking behaviour, service uptake, and user engagement, while generating behavioural insights for policymakers. MATERIALS & METHODS: A descriptive study design was used. Quantitative data were collected through service utilisation records (2024) and SELANGKAH platform data (2025) using convenience sampling. The Health Belief Model was applied as a behavioural mapping framework to identify barriers and behaviours. RESULTS: Findings indicate increased engagement through improved accessibility across 9 SEHAT Counsellor Hubs. Familiar community settings reduced stigma and enhanced trust, facilitating initial help-seeking. Integration of the SELANGKAH platform further improved engagement, particularly in appointment scheduling, follow-up, and continuity of care, while reducing administrative burden. In 2024, 332 clients registered with 243 sessions conducted; in 2025, registrations increased to 412 with 313 sessions, suggesting improved user adherence. Engagement among individuals aged 20–39 increased from 187 to 201, while those aged 40–59 rose markedly from 16 to 100, indicating growing digital health utilisation among both youth and time-constrained adults. CONCLUSION: The SEHAT–SELANGKAH model demonstrates how integrating behavioural insights with community and digital infrastructure can improve mental health access. This hybrid approach addresses both psychological and structural barriers, offering scalable solutions for public mental health systems.
| Item Type: | Proceeding Paper (Poster) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Community Intervention, Digital Application, Early Counselling, Help-Seeking Behaviour, Mental Health |
| Subjects: | R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine |
| Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): | Kulliyyah of Medicine Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Dr Muhammad Adil Zainal Abidin |
| Date Deposited: | 06 Nov 2026 15:24 |
| Last Update: | 06 Nov 2026 15:24 |
| Queue Number: | 2026-10-Q6052 |
| URI: | http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/132332 |
| Indexed In: | UNSPECIFIED |
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