Abstract:

Aim: Mental health literacy (MHL) refers to knowledge and beliefs regarding recognizing, managing, and preventing mental health disorders. It is critical in the early diagnosis of mental health diseases. This study aimed to determine the symptom levels of individuals for anxiety and depression and to evaluate their MHL status. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was designed as descriptive and single-centered. The study was performed with patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years, who were admitted to the Family Medicine Outpatient Clinic of a tertiary hospital and who met the inclusion criteria. The participants’ sociodemographic and medical characteristics were questioned by the Patient Information Form. Symptom levels for anxiety and depression were evaluated with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and MHL levels were determined with the Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS). Results: The mean age of 327 participants was 38.95±11.94 years, and most were female (n=216; 66.1%). According to HADS, the mean anxiety score was 7.90±4.54, and the mean depression score was 6.97±4.36. The mean total MHLS score was 14.05±3.49, the mean knowledge subscale score was 7.56±1.93, the mean belief subscale score was 4.17±1.83, and the mean resource subscale score was 2.28±1.54. An inverse and significant correlation was determined between age and MHLS total score (p=0.001). There was a significant difference in education levels regarding MHLS total score (p=0.000). An inverse and significant correlation was observed between MHL total score and HADS anxiety and depression scores (p=0.041, p=0.000, respectively). Conclusion: In our study, MHL was determined to be at a moderate level, and it was lower in those with high symptom levels for anxiety and depression. On the other hand, MHL level was also negatively affected by advanced age and the presence of chronic diseases, and it was higher in those with higher education levels, those who were married, and those who worked in any job.

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