The purpose of this study is to explore experiences of stalking behaviors among midwifery students at one Ghanaian university, as well as their association with mental health disorders. Specifically, this study had the following three aims: (a) to identify the frequency of stalking experiences in this population; (b) to explore mental health symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, within this population; and (c) to better understand intervention opportunities related to stalking, including bystander intervention and use of available resources. The study utilized an exploratory mixed-methods design with surveys (n = 118) and focus group discussions (n = 2 with 16 participants) with midwifery students recruited from a centrally located Ghanaian university campus in July of 2018 using convenience sampling. Results indicate a large percentage (80.3%) of participants have experienced stalking behavior(s) within the last six months. Multiple regression analyses demonstrate a statistically significant relationship between any stalking behaviors and depressive symptomatology as well as between unwanted monitoring/following and anxiety. This was reinforced by focus group discussions in which participants discussed the themes of: (a) types of stalking, with a heavy emphasis on using technology for unwanted following/monitoring; (b) positive versus negative perceptions of stalking intentions, where some types of monitoring and following could be seen as forms of flattery or interest; and (c) barriers to seeking help that focused on stigma, cultural barriers, systemic barriers, and personal barriers. Future research should delve more deeply into barriers to existing resources to identify ways to increase accessibility for stalking survivors in connection with mental health services. This study also highlights the need for additional research to more clearly understand stalking in Ghana so that interventions can begin to address mental health services, healthy relationships, communication, and consent.

本研究的目的是探索加纳一所大学助产士学生跟踪行为的经历，以及它们与心理健康障碍的关系。具体来说，这项研究有以下三个目的： (a) 确定该人群中缠扰行为的频率；(b) 探索该人群的心理健康症状，例如抑郁和焦虑；(c) 更好地了解与缠扰行为有关的干预机会，包括旁观者干预和使用可用资源。该研究采用探索性混合方法设计，包括调查 ( n = 118) 和焦点小组讨论 ( n= 2，有 16 名参与者），助产士学生于 2018 年 7 月使用便利抽样从位于市中心的加纳大学校园招募。结果表明，很大比例 (80.3%) 的参与者在过去六个月内经历过跟踪行为。多元回归分析表明，任何跟踪行为与抑郁症状之间以及不需要的监控/跟踪与焦虑之间存在统计学上的显着关系。焦点小组讨论强化了这一点，参与者讨论了以下主题： (a) 跟踪类型，重点强调使用技术进行不必要的跟踪/监控；(b) 对跟踪意图的正面看法与负面看法，其中某些类型的监视和跟踪可被视为奉承或兴趣的形式；(c) 寻求帮助的障碍主要集中在污名、文化障碍、系统障碍和个人障碍上。未来的研究应该更深入地研究现有资源的障碍，以确定增加跟踪幸存者与心理健康服务相关的可及性的方法。这项研究还强调需要进行更多研究以更清楚地了解加纳的缠扰行为，以便干预措施可以开始解决心理健康服务、健康关系、沟通和同意问题。