Abstract
ABSTRACTDespite the prevalence of mental health problems reported by soldiers and challenges in ensuring soldiers access care, there is a knowledge gap in in what soldiers know about accessing mental health care. The present study assesses predictors of “mental health literacy” in 2,048 U.S. soldiers. The frequency of mental health literacy responses ranged from 27% to 74% correct (i.e., correct answers representing knowledge about referrals, confidentiality rules, and resources) with a large percentage reporting either incorrect responses or that they did not know the answer. Comparisons found that soldiers with senior rank and with more combat deployments provided higher correct response percentages. Those with mental health problems reported higher percentages of correct responses on three of the six mental health literacy items. Among those with mental health problems, no differences were found between those seeking treatment and those not seeking treatment on mental health literacy. The study was the first to document the mental health literacy of soldiers and provides potential targets for education and outreach. Future studies should further examine the full range of factors and correlates of mental health literacy.
Published Version
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