Özet:

Objective: This study has aimed to investigate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Mental Health Literacy in Healthcare Students (MHLS-HS). Method: The study sample comprises 275 students at Istanbul Medical Faculty between the ages of 18 and 27. Data were collected using the MHLS-HS, the Beliefs about Mental Illness Scale (BMI), and the Positive Mental Health Scale (PMS). For language adaptation, translation, back translation, expert comments, and a trial application were conducted. Validity was determined using the content validity index and confirmatory factor analysis, while reliability was determined using Cronbach's alpha analysis and the test-retest method. Results: The content validity index of the scale was found to be 0.99 and the item loads were found to be 0.38-0.94 according to confirmatory factor analysis. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was found to be 0.79 for the whole scale and between 0.60-0.89 for the five sub-dimensions. In equivalent criterion validity, it was determined that BMI had a weak negative correlation (r=-0.391, p<0.001) and a weak positive correlation (r=0.291, p<0.001) with PMS. A statistically significant difference was found in the sub-dimensions of Maintaining Positive Mental Health, Stigmatizing Mental Illnesses, and Seeking Help Effectiveness between those with and without mental illness in the discrimination analysis of the RSS-SS scale (p<0.001, p=0.029, p=0.034, respectively). Conclusion: The Mental Health Literacy Scale in Healthcare Students was found to be valid and reliable. It can be used to assess and improve the educational experience of medical school students.

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