Factors Predicting Mental Health Literacy in Older Adults: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

To determine mental health literacy (MHL) levels of older adults and the predictive factors of MHL. This cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2022, with 410 older adults aged ≥65 years. A Personal Information Form and the Mental Health Literacy Scale were used for data collection. Independent samples t test, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. Significant predictors of MHL in older adults were being aged 65 to 69 years, being female, being a university graduate, having an income more than expenses, receiving information from a health professional, interest in mental health, having friends or family members with mental illness, and good perception of health. Older adults were found to have low levels of MHL. Mental health professionals should focus on community-based education and interventions to increase the MHL levels of older adults. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].