Levels Of Mental Health Literacy Research Articles

The predictors of mental health literacy among adolescents students

AimThis study aimed to examine levels of mental health literacy (MHL) and associated factors among adolescents. MethodsA descriptive, cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted with a total of 650 students aged 11–18 years in three middle and three high schools. Data were collected using the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Literacy Scale and evaluated using descriptive statistics and regression analysis to determine whether age, gender, and grade are predictive factors of MHL. ResultsThe mean age of the participants in the study was 16.8 ± 1.35 years, 55 % of the students were girls, and the mean MHL score was 3.96 ± 1.2, indicating moderate MHL. Multiple regression analysis indicated that the variables of age, gender, and grade explained 5.5 % of the variance in MHL score. When these variables were examined individually, gender and grade had no significant effect (p > 0.05), while older age was associated with higher MHL score (p < 0.05). ConclusionThe results of this study showed that MHL improved with age. MHL promotion is important in mental health resilience. Collaboration between school nurses, school counselors, and psychiatric nurses to provide mental health educational interventions may help reduce stigma and increase help-seeking behaviors.

Mental health literacy and its associated factors among traditional healers toward mental illness in Northeast, Ethiopia: A mixed approach study.

Currently, the biggest issue facing the entire world is mental health. According to the Ethiopian Ministry of Health, nearly one-fourth of the community is experiencing any of the mental illness categories. Most of the cases were treated in religious and traditional institutions, which the community most liked to be treated. However, there were very limited studies conducted to show the level of mental health literacy among traditional healers. The study aimed to assess the level of mental health literacy and its associated factors among traditional healers toward mental illness found in Northeast, Ethiopia from September 1-30/2022. A mixed approach cross-sectional study design was carried out on September 130, 2022, using simple random sampling with a total sample of 343. Pretested, structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews were utilized for data collection. The level of Mental Health Literacy (MHL) was assessed using the 35 mental health literacy (35-MHLQ) scale. The semi-structured checklist was used for the in-depth interview and the FGD for the qualitative part. Data was entered using Epi-data version 4.6 and, then exported to SPSS version 26 for analysis. The association between outcome and independent variables was analyzed with bivariate and multivariable linear regression. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data, and the findings were then referenced with the findings of the quantitative data. The findings of this study showed that the sample of traditional healers found in Dessie City scored a total mean of mental health literacy of 91.81 ± 10:53. Age (β = -0.215, 95% CI (-0.233, -0.05), p = 0.003, informal educational status (β = -5.378, 95% CI (-6.505, -0.350), p = 0.029, presence of relative with a mental disorder (β = 6.030, 95% CI (0.073, 7.428),p = 0.046, getting information on mental illness (β = 6.565, 95% CI (3.432, 8.680), p = <0.001, and mental health training (β = 4.889, 95% CI (0.379, 6.455), p = 0.028 were variables significantly associated with mental health literacy. Traditional healers provide a variety of explanations for the causes of mental illness, including biological, psychological, and supernatural ones. The mean score of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) is lower among traditional healers compared with other studies. Age, informal educational status, family history of mental illness, getting information on mental illness, and mental health training were significantly associated with mental health literacy. Therefore, different works to improve the levels of mental health literacy among traditional healers are essential.

A survey of mental health literacy in parents and guardians of teenagers.

Parents and guardians (hereafter caregivers) of teenagers need high levels of mental health literacy (MHL) to manage mental health problems arising in teenagers in their care. Previous studies assessing MHL levels in caregivers of teenagers have reported mixed results, making it difficult to clearly estimate caregiver MHL levels. This study aimed to investigate MHL levels in Japanese caregivers of regular teenagers. Responses from caregivers (n = 1,397) of students entering junior and senior high schools to a self-administered online questionnaire were analyzed. The questionnaire assessed (a) knowledge about mental health/illnesses and (b) attitudes towards mental health problems in teens in their care (e.g., recognition of depression as a medical illness and intention to engage in helping behaviors). The average proportion of correct answers to the knowledge questions (n = 7) was 55.4%; about one tenth (9.2%) of caregivers correctly answered only one or none of the questions. Few caregivers correctly answered about the life-time prevalence of any mental illnesses (46.1%) and appropriate sleep duration for teenagers' health (16.5%). The proportions of caregivers who had the intention to listen to the teen in their care, consult another person, and seek professional medical help if the teen suffered from depression were 99.5%, 91.5% and 72.7%, respectively. Many teenagers' caregivers appeared to be willing to help the teens in their care if they were suffering from mental health problems. However, there was much room for improvement in knowledge on mental health/illnesses and intention to seek help from medical professionals. Efforts toward better education should be made.

Exploring Mental Health Literacy and Its Associated Factors: A National Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia, 2023.

The aim of this study is to examine, for the first time, the mental health literacy of the Saudi general population. Additionally, we aim to identify demographic factors associated with elevated mental health literacy scores. A cross-sectional study using a phone interview survey with quota sampling was conducted for equal distribution of sexes, age and administrative regions. Mental health literacy was assessed by the previously validated mental health literacy scale (MHLS). The MHLS ranges from 35 to 160, and a higher score indicates greater level of mental health literacy. In this study, 4,547 (70.2%) agreed to complete the interview. The sample was equally distributed across Saudi Arabia's 13 administrative regions with 50.1% female and mean age 35.9 (SD: ±12.8). In terms of education, 55.1% have a bachelor's degree or above. The nationally weighted score on the original MHLS was 110.75. the MHLS Saudi validation score was influenced by various variables including: marital status, healthcare-related job, sex, education level, and proximity to individuals with mental health issues. The study offers data for the first time on Saudi Arabian mental health literacy status. The high MHLS score reflects good societal awareness and understanding of mental health related concepts and issues in the Saudi population. The results of this study set the baseline for mental health literacy in Saudi Arabia. Future research may focus on utilizing the validated MHLS and the method used in this study to explore the effect of other social and individual factors on mental health literacy.

Determinants of Mental Health Literacy Among Correctional Officers

Background: Inmates are at higher risk of developing mental problems. Correctional officers have an important role in supporting inmate’s mental health. Correctional officers' insufficient understanding of mental health can contribute to adverse outcomes for mentally ill inmates in the criminal justice system. Aims: This study aimed to determine factors associated with correctional officers’s mental health literacy. Methods: This is quantitative research using a cross-sectional approach. This research used secondary data from a study about Correctional Officer’s Perceptions towards Mental Health, which was conducted in June 2023. The population was 1564 officers in Central Java. The independent variable was demographic factors, history of seminar/training about mental health, and previous contact with someone who has a mental health problem. The dependent variable was mental health literacy, measured with the Mental Health Knowledge Questionnaire (MHKQ). Data was analyzed bivariate with a chi-square test. Results: About 66% of correctional institution officers had low mental health literacy. The status as a healthcare worker (p=0.01), longer working duration (p=0.03), experience of attending mental health seminars (p=0.00), and contact with someone that has mental health problem (p=0.03) have a significant correlation with officer level of mental health literacy. Conclusion: Correctional officers often have limited mental health knowledge. Level of experience, job scope, contact experience with someone with a mental health problem, and mental health training positively impact their literacy. Increasing mental health education in correctional facilities is vital to enhance this, focusing on risk factors and care delivery.

How gender and low mental health literacy are related to unmet need for mental healthcare: a cross-sectional population-based study in Sweden

BackgroundMen are more likely to have unmet need for mental healthcare than women. However, an under-investigated aspect of the gender difference is the role of mental health literacy. This study investigated how combinations of gender and mental health literacy were related to two indicators of unmet need: not perceiving a need for mental healthcare despite poor mental health, and refraining from seeking mental healthcare.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was based on a questionnaire sent to a general population sample, aged 16–84 years, in Stockholm County, Sweden, in 2019. Of the 1863 respondents (38%), 1563 were included (≥18 years). The sample was stratified into four groups, men and women with low or high mental health literacy, using the third quartile of the Mental Health Knowledge Schedule. The likelihood of not perceiving a need for mental healthcare and refraining from seeking mental healthcare, at any time in life, were investigated by calculating odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.ResultsMen with low mental health literacy were most likely to not perceive a need for mental healthcare, also when adjusting for age, education, and poor mental health (OR 5.3, 95% CI 3.6–7.7), and to refrain from seeking mental healthcare, also when adjusting for age and education (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.7–6.4), followed by men with high mental health literacy (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.5–2.4, and OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.2) and women with low mental health literacy (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–2.9, and OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1–3.9). Women with high mental health literacy were least likely (reference group).ConclusionThe results show differences in the likelihood of unmet need for mental healthcare based on combinations of gender and mental health literacy level, with men having low mental health literacy being most at risk, and women with high mental health literacy being least at risk. This challenges generalisations of a gender difference in unmet need by showing heterogeneity among men and women based on mental health literacy. Men with low mental health literacy may be particularly in need of targeted interventions to reduce potential individual and societal consequences of their unmet need.

Exploring Mental Health Literacy Among Children In Conflict With The Law

Mental health literacy is one factor that can affect children's quality of life. This study aims to determine and compare the level of literacy and description of mental health in children who conflict with the law (CCL) in the province of Gorontalo, Indonesia. This study uses a mixed parallel method. The researcher collects qualitative and quantitative data using observation, in-depth interviews, document review, and a modified RI1 Mental Health Literacy Questionnaire. Informants are 21 children who conflict with the law (CCL)  in Gorontalo Province. The results on the level of mental health literacy showed that out of a total of 6 CCL perpetrators, three children were in the moderate category (50%), three children were in the less category (50%), and none had high literacy (0%). Meanwhile, of 15 CCL victims, 6 children were in the less category (40%), 8 were in the moderate category, and 1 child (7%) had high literacy. On average, the CCL perpetrator's mental state is better than the CCL victim's. CCL victims have the lowest score on cognitive ability, at 38%, and the highest on emotional ability, at 44%. CCL perpetrators have the lowest emotional ability at 34% and the highest cognitive ability at 41%. The legal process triggers stress, anxiety, poor sleeping and eating functions, communication disorders, and a drastic decrease in self-confidence. Providing a mental health literacy program can be a preventive measure to maintain mental health so they are ready to return to society.

Stakeholder perspectives of mental healthcare services in Bangladesh, its challenges and opportunities: a qualitative study.

This study explores Bangladesh's mental health services from an individual- and system-level perspective and provides insights and recommendations for strengthening it's mental health system. We conducted 13 in-depth interviews and 2 focus group discussions. Thirty-one participants were recruited using a combination of purposive and snowball sampling methods. All interviews and group discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed, and key findings were translated from Bengali to English. Data were coded manually and analysed using a thematic and narrative analysis approach. Stakeholders perceived scarcity of service availability at the peripheral level, shortage of professionals, weak referral systems, lack of policy implementation and regulatory mechanisms were significant challenges to the mental health system in Bangladesh. At the population level, low levels of mental health literacy, high societal stigma, and treatment costs were barriers to accessing mental healthcare. Key recommendations included increasing the number of mental health workers and capacity building, strengthening regulatory mechanisms to enhance the quality of care within the health systems, and raising awareness about mental health. Introducing measures that relate to tackling stigma, mental health literacy as well as building the capacity of the health workforce and governance systems will help ensure universal mental health coverage.

Relationship Between Mental Health Literacy Level and Treatment Motivation in Alcohol and Drug Addicts

The primary objective of this research is to explore how the level of Mental Health Literacy influences the motivation for treatment among individuals dealing with alcohol or substance addiction. The study involved 128 subjects undergoing inpatient treatment at the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment Center. To gather data, researchers utilized a Personal Information Form, Mental Health Literacy Scale, and Treatment Motivation (TM) survey. The scores obtained from the Treatment Motivation Questionnaire and Mental Health Literacy Scale were 94.21±12.2 and 108.03±11.7, respectively. The analysis revealed a statistically significant, albeit weak, positive correlation between the participants' Mental Health Literacy Scale-Knowledge of How to Seek Mental Health Information subscale mean score and both their total Treatment Motivation Questionnaire score and their Interpersonal Help-Seeking subscale mean scores (r=0.284). Conversely, a statistically significant weak negative correlation emerged between the participants' Mental Health Literacy Scale-Knowledge of Professional Help Available subscale mean score and their Treatment Motivation Questionnaire-Distrust in Treatment subscale mean score (r=−0.230). Conclusions drawn from the study indicate that a lack of knowledge regarding addiction and accessing professional assistance, coupled with concerns surrounding stigma, pose as significant barriers to motivation for seeking treatment.

Understanding the Barriers and Facilitators to Help-Seeking in Irish Equestrian Sport

Equestrian media has highlighted an interest in the impact of mental health on performance and help-seeking behaviours. Due to the dearth of research into equestrian sports, this study aimed to understand rider mental health in equestrian sport and identify the barriers and facilitators to help-seeking among equestrian athletes. Seven equestrian athletes participated in semi-structured interviews about their experiences with mental health and the currently available services. The themes generated for riders’ understanding of mental health were multidimensional and cost. The themes for barriers were influences and education. Consequently, the facilitators of seeking help were strength and guidance. The findings support previous studies among jockeys and other athletic populations. Implications for this research highlight the potential for mental health literacy programmes and increased services. Further recommendations for future research suggest examining the current levels of mental health literacy and the differences experienced between disciplines.

Mental health literacy in Polynesian Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders

AbstractThe high prevalence of mental health problems and underutilization of mental health treatment are more severe among the Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHPI) populations and remain misunderstood and understudied. Examining mental health literacy (MHL) – the knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders – aids their recognition, management, or prevention – has been shown to identify barriers to seeking and receiving care. This study aimed to assess the level of MHL in NHPIs and identify associated demographic variables. Data for this cross‐sectional study were collected from 298 US NHPIs via an online questionnaire of the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS). The overall mean MHLS score was 121 (SD = 17.3), with statistically significant higher scores in female participants, &gt;31 years old, Tongan, more educated, and with higher income. This study demonstrated that overall MHL is comparable among NHPI compared to the current literature. However, NHPI men ≤30 years old and with lower income had lower MHL, which may be linked to the mental health disparities specific to this population. Current interventions should focus on increasing knowledge of risk factors, causes, self‐treatments, and available professional help regarding mental disorders. Efforts to improve the MHL of NHPI should target men ≤30 years with lower income (&lt;$50 000).

The association between mental health literacy and resilience among individuals who received therapy and those who did not

PurposeThis study aims to explore the link between mental health literacy (MHL) and resilience in two groups: individuals who underwent psychotherapy and a similar group who did not.Design/methodology/approachThe research involved 256 participants from Israeli–Arab and Israeli–Jewish communities. Half of the participants had previously received psychological treatment, whereas the other half had not. MHL was evaluated through the Mental Health Literacy Scale (O’Connor and Casey, 2015), whereas resilience was gauged using the concise Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (Connor and Davidson, 2003).FindingsThe results indicated that participants who had therapy had higher levels of MHL and resilience compared to those who were not in therapy. Being acquainted with mental health disorders was positively associated with resilience, independent of sociodemographic variables and therapy participation. An interaction effect was found, showing a positive association between MHL and resilience among those who had therapy, whereas a negative association was observed among those not in therapy. A negative association was also found between social closeness to mental health patients and resilience for respondents who did not participate in therapy and was unrelated to resilience among those who had therapy.Originality/valueThe findings suggest that having MHL is vital but it does not necessarily translate into personal application or effective coping strategy implementation. In fact, it may be that having knowledge, in the absence of taking any active measures, can even be harmful.

P56: Exercising your worries away – what do older adults think about physical activity and technology interventions to reduce anxiety

Objective:Older adults have low levels of mental health literacy relating to anxiety which may contribute to delaying or not seeking help. Lifestyle interventions, including physical activity (PA), have increasing evidence supporting their effectiveness in reducing anxiety. The COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted the potential for technology to facilitate healthcare provision. This study aimed to investigate perspectives of older adults about their understanding of anxiety, possible use of PA interventions to reduce anxiety, and whether technology could help this process.Methods:The INDIGO trial evaluated a PA intervention for participants aged 60 years and above at risk of cognitive decline and not meeting PA guidelines. Twenty-nine of the INDIGO trial completers, including some with anxiety and/or cognitive symptoms, attended this long-term follow-up study including semi-structured qualitative interviews. Transcripts were analyzed thematically.Results:There was quite a diverse understanding of anxiety amongst participants. Some participants were able to describe anxiety as involving worry, uncertainty and fear, as well as relating it to physical manifestations and feeling out of control. Others had less understanding of the concept of anxiety or found it confusing. Participants generally believed that PA could potentially reduce anxiety and thought that this could occur through a “mindfulness” and/or “physiological” process. Technology use was a more controversial topic with some participants quite clearly expressing a dislike or distrust of technology or else limited access or literacy in relation to technology. Participants who were supportive of using technology described that it could help with motivation, information provision and health monitoring. Wearable activity monitors were described favorably, with online platforms and portable devices also being options.Conclusion:Our results highlight the importance of increasing information and education about anxiety to older adults. This may increase awareness of anxiety and reduce delays in seeking help or not seeking help at all. Findings also emphasize the need for clinicians to support understanding of anxiety in older adults that they are seeing and provide information and education where needed. It is likely that PA interventions to reduce anxiety, with the option of a technology component with support, will be acceptable to most older adults.

The relationship between nursing students' mental health literacy levels and holistic nursing competencies

Aims: The study was conducted to examine the relationship between nursing students' mental health literacy levels and holistic nursing competencies.&#x0D; Methods: This was a descriptive and relational study. The sample of the study consisted of 440 nursing department students at a state university. Data were collected with the Sociodemographic data form, the mental health literacy scale, and the holistic nursing competence scale.&#x0D; Results: The mean score of the mental health literacy scale total scores of the students was 101.11±8.49, and the mean total score of the holistic nursing competence scale total score was 168.41±40.53. There was a positive relationship between the mental health literacy scale total score and the general ability sub-field (r=0.101) of the holistic nursing competence scale and the professional development sub-field (r=0.095), and this relationship was statistically significant (p

WhySchool mental health training programs: effective for students, teachers, and school health staff

Abstract Introduction Adolescent mental health is an increasing concern due to the high prevalence of mental disorders and low levels of mental health literacy (MHL). Enhancing MHL and promoting access to services during this critical developmental phase is essential. Teachers and other educational professionals are vital in addressing mental health issues, encouraging positive mental health, reducing the stigma associated with mental illness, and promoting help-seeking behaviors. Methods This study evaluates the WhySchool project, a mental health training program for teachers, school health professionals, and students in Portugal, consisting of two interventions. The first intervention was a prospective pre-post study for teachers and school health professionals who underwent training during 2015-2016 and 2018-2020, with three evaluation phases. The second intervention was a quasi-experimental study in 2019-2020 for students who received the intervention program in a classroom setting administered by previously trained teachers. Results The first intervention significantly improved teachers’ and school health professionals’ mental health literacy, help-seeking attitudes, stigma reduction, and confidence in referring students in case of need. These effects remained stable at the M2 follow-up. In the second intervention, MHL scores increased significantly in the intervention group, while the control group showed no significant change. Stigma reduction and help-seeking attitudes also improved significantly in the intervention group, with no significant change in the control group. Conclusions The WhySchool program significantly and positively impacted teachers’ and students’ mental health literacy, help-seeking attitudes, and stigma reduction. The results underscore the importance of incorporating mental health programs into school curricula and providing teachers and school staff with the necessary tools and knowledge to deliver these programs effectively.

Measuring mental health literacy in children: the development of the CHILD-MHL scale

Abstract Background One child out of 5 is affected by a mental health problem before the age of 12 years. Among the determinants of children's mental health, Mental Health Literacy (MHL) is a theory including 6 dimensions: understanding mental health; help-seeking actions; supports available; influences on mental health; coping and resilience; and stigma. High levels of MHL correspond to better children's mental health. Measuring children's MHL is essential to inform the development of interventions pro-MHL, evaluate their impact and conceive related policies. We describe here the process of developing the CHILD-MHL scale. Methods Two public health researchers generate some MHL items in French. These are discussed by a group of 30 experts (ex. psychologists, psychiatrists), parents and teachers to verify their content and wording (Delphi study). An artist co-draw with 5 children (8-11 years old) the illustrations of the items (visual scale). Then, the scale is tested in the school setting by 30 children with feedback through qualitative interviews. Finally, the scale is administered to 500 children and undergoes psychometric analyses. Results Results are preliminary. We have produced 50 items telling a story based on MHL through the characters of Émile and Amélie, two children facing mental health problems. Examples of MHL items are: “Emile doesn’t say nice things about himself, he doesn’t want to spend time with his friend Amélie anymore, do you think he might be depressed?” and “Emile feels very worried and nervous, do you think he is anxious?”. Conclusions Developing a scale is a complex process. The CHILD-MHL scale is the first instrument measuring MHL in children in France and worldwide. It can be included in large French cohorts to obtain prevalence of MHL in representative samples of children at the national level. The scale will also be translated in 3 other languages (English, Spanish, Italian) with an international outreach and for cross-cultural comparison.

The effect of a mental health literacy intervention on Chinese team officials and staff in elite sports: a two-arm non-randomised controlled trial

ABSTRACT Mental health issues among elite athletes have received much attention in recent years. A supportive sport promotes the mental health of its athletes, team officials and staff play a crucial role in assisting athletes to seek help for their mental health when needed. However, studies have demonstrated that these individuals do not have sufficient knowledge to provide the appropriate support and assistance. Mental health literacy (MHL) is a major factor influencing support and help-seeking attitudes. Therefore, the current study aimed to provide support staff with knowledge about MHL to increase their MHL levels, reduce their stigma towards mental health issues, and improve their help-seeking attitude and their confidence in helping athletes with mental health issues. To this end, a two-arm non-randomised controlled trial was used, during which one 4-hour MHL workshop was delivered to 74 team officials and staff between the ages of 22–54 (M = 35.65, SD = 8.16). Data were collected at three time points (pre-intervention, post- intervention and follow-up). The results showed that the participants in the MHL group significantly outperformed those in the wait list control (WLC) group in terms of improved MHL and help-seeking attitude and reduced stigma. However, compared with the WLC group, the participants’ confidence in helping athletes with mental health issues did not significantly improve at post- and follow-up examinations. This study has practical implications for interventions designed to promote MHL among Chinese team officials and staff in elite sports and provides suggestions for future research on MHL and help-seeking.

A Broad Examination of Mental Health Literacy Among College Students in the United States.

High levels of mental health literacy (MHL) have been linked to the ability to correctly recognize certain problems as mental health issues, which then may lead to effective help-seeking behaviors. Most research on MHL has focused on a limited number of psychiatric diagnoses, using Australian samples. This study aimed to investigate various components of MHL in a large sample of undergraduate students in the United States. We conducted a vignette-based study with 843 undergraduate students. Six psychiatric diagnoses (and two "non-disordered" scenarios) were represented in distinct vignettes. Participants rated the severity of each vignette character's problem, the helpfulness of numerous treatment options, and the likelihood that different etiological factors contributed to the character's problem. Across all clinical vignettes, therapy/counseling was perceived to be the most helpful treatment. Participants rated "personal weakness/lack of willpower" as contributing the most to the alcohol use disorder (AUD) character's problems. Our hypothesis related to how perceptions of etiology may impact participants' perceptions of different types of treatment was partially supported for the depression character. When participants described the depression character as having a "psychological/mental health problem," they were more likely to perceive therapy/counseling as being helpful compared to medication. Participants recognized most of the psychiatric diagnoses as a mental health problem, acknowledged the seriousness of the presenting problems, and recommended effective help-seeking behavior. However, undergraduate U.S. students could benefit from increased MHL specifically related to AUD. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2023;7(4):e207-e214.].

Gender specificity of psychological help-seeking among Russian adolescents

The influence of social factors in adolescents seeking professional psychological help seems to be an urgent scientific and practical problem in both the foreign and Russian contexts. This article identifies the specifics of strategies and scenarios for help-seeking among boys and girls aged 14-17 based on the results of a quantitative sociological study of adolescents in Russia. An online survey of a representative sample (N = 17,000) aimed to measure help-seeking rates among two gender groups, an assessment of this experience, the prevalence of various coping strategies and social attitudes towards psychological help among Russian adolescents. The results showed significant differences in the experience of boys and girls in these aspects. In particular, female respondents more often had experience of seeking the services of a psychologist and used this practice to solve their mental problems. Young men were much less likely to seeking professional psychological help, which may be due to stigmatizing social attitudes. The revealed trends facilitated to propose key direction for future research of gender differences in the level of mental health literacy among Russian adolescents as well as their vulnerability to the social factor of stigma.

MENTAL HEALTH LITERACY OF HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Mental health literacy (MHL) is essential for high school students to promote the quality of their mental health as well as help the people in need. In Vietnam, the studies about MHL in high school student populations are limited, whose results often report the moderate level of MHL. The aim of this study was to report the MHL status of high school students in Ho Chi Minh city. Participants were 577 students selected in several high schools in Ho Chi Minh city and then were assessed using Mental Health Literacy Scale (28 items) which has been validated into Vietnamese for better adaptation to high school Vietnamese students. Mean score of MHL in the research subjects was 77.47, representing the moderate level. Meanwhile, the proportion of students with moderate level accounted for 63.60%, followed by the high ones at 31.37% and the remaining figure was for the low level, at 5.03%. Therefore, MHL, is of paramount importance to be conducted further research for laying a foundation for providing feasible solutions to improve MHL particularly and mental health quality generally of high school students.Keywords: mental health; mental health literacy; high school students